Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has explained the reason he thinks is behind Rúben Amorim’s three-game winning run.
Manchester United were very impressive in a 4-2 win against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday evening. Matheus Cunha netted his first goal since moving to Old Trafford, Casemiro scored from a deflected effort, and Bryan Mbeumo converted a brace to take his tally to four goals in the Premier League this season.
Despite the inconsistent start to the season, the atmosphere seems to be very positive in the United camp. Perhaps, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s public backing of Rúben Amorim has motivated the squad to pull together.
United have looked much better since the 2-0 win against Sunderland when Amorim switched to a 4-4-2 without the ball. While the Red Devils haven’t played the same since, the tactical flexibility could’ve helped the former Sporting CP boss gain some supporters at Old Trafford.
The win against Brighton made it three wins in the last three games for United, and they will be looking to continue their positive run against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur before the November international break.
Carrick reveals trio are behind winning run
Former United midfielder and interim manager Michael Carrick has explained why he thinks United are in such a good run of form. It all comes down to the summer business Jason Wilcox played a part in.
When United signed Cunha and Mbeumo, many fans wondered why, as it meant Bruno Fernandes would be forced out of position into the double pivot. However, the trio have combined excellently for United this season and Carrick believes they are the reason behind the winning run.
Speaking on Match of the Day, Carrick said: “I’ve kind of got a smile on my face because when you get that moment as a footballer, and you get a connection with somebody, and some say it’s a wavelength, and you almost play off instinct.
“I kind of put it as you almost play with a smile and say because you enjoy playing with each other, and it looks like they’ve [Cunha, Fernandes, Mbeumo] found that connection and two of them have just arrived in the summer, Bruno’s been there for a period of time.”
The former England international went on to say: “It’s not just them three, but it feels that there’s something really fun about the way they want to play.
“There was a lot on the game today, you know, playing to go three wins after beating Liverpool and everyone going yeah but it’s happened before type thing, a big game to go again, they’ve lost against Brighton in the past, so it was a big game today and I thought they played ever so well.”
Amorim should experiment with new trio in front three
Benjamin Šeško has been steady since his summer move from RB Leipzig. The Slovenian has shown signs of why United paid over £70 million for him, but has yet to reach his true potential in a red shirt.
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While he is still getting up to speed, and to avoid making the same mistake as they did with Rasmus Hojlund, United should trial a front three of Fernandes, Cunha and Mbeumo, with the Brazilian leading the line.
The trio have a clear connection – as described by Carrick – and they could combine well in the final third. Šeško would be able to drop out of the side, and Kobbie Mainoo could take his place, featuring alongside Casemiro in the double pivot.
Amorim would be able to solve two problems with one switch. Šeško would be taken out of the limelight and allowed time to settle into life in Manchester, while Mainoo could return to the starting lineup and begin to get back to his former level.
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