Since the arrival of Michael Carrick in January, United look unrecognizable from the team they once were under former manager Ruben Amorim, leading to former midfield man Owen Hargreaves to unveil the one major difference between the two men’s tenures.
Since Amorim’s final explosive press conference, ultimately resulting in him receiving his P45 the following morning, United haven’t looked back, taking 13 points from a maximum of 15 in their last five games, including illustrious victories against Manchester City and Arsenal.
This success can almost be entirely credited to the new man in the dugout, with Carrick hardly putting a foot wrong since his return to Old Trafford.
With the team playing exciting attacking football, the players seemingly happier than ever, and a top 4 finish now on the cards, the turnaround in mood from New Year’s has been substantial.
Former United man Owen Hargreaves has since weighed in on the situation, crediting United’s turn in fortunes to one major difference between Amorim and Carrick.
Hargreaves quotes
When speaking on TNT Sports The Breakdown, Hargreaves made the claim that the switch-up from Amorim’s 3-4-3 system to Carrick’s 4-2-3-1 is the defining change that has transformed United.
He went on to further explain his reasoning, saying: “Under Carrick virtually every player is playing a different position except the goalkeeper.”
“Two centre-backs went from playing in a three to a two. The wing backs, now playing as full backs. Went from a midfield two to now playing in a three. Went from having 10’s to wingers. Actually, he’s changed the whole team and everybody. It’s not rocket science. Everybody’s in their natural position and they’re performing.”
“Put Bruno in as a 10 and let him go create. How Kobbie hasn’t played football in a year is mind-blowing. One of the best young talents in the world of football. And for a kid not to play for a year and to come in and play against City and Arsenal and basically run the games is a testament.”
“And obviously Carrick knows that position, but I just think Carras right now, he’s been flawless. He hasn’t got one thing wrong and I’m just delighted for him because the fans have really suffered and it feels like Old Trafford’s back. The fans are happy, but most importantly they’re winning. That’s all this is about is winning. And when you win, it fixes a lot of things.”
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Who deserves credit?
Although the impact Carrick has had on the team is undeniable at this point, with many notable players such as Lisandro Martinez and Matheus Cunha speaking glowingly of him in particular, credit must also be given to the other new additions to the backroom staff.
A certain move that has also received a lot of rightful praise over the last few weeks was that to appoint Steve Holland as assistant coach.
Bringing invaluable experience as a former Premier League-winning coach at Chelsea, whilst also being famed for his time as Gareth Southgate’s number two at England, has proven to be a masterstroke of an appointment from the club.
Whilst the manager and coaching staff rightfuly deserve their flowers, it would be unfair to not include the players amongst the praise.
Throughout the season, even when under Amorim, there has been no question of the squads comitment to the cause, with senior players and young alike stepping up to produce big moments that have been able to drag United up the table that were siimply not there last year.
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With a first trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on the horizon, it is vital that Carrick and the squad can bounce back from dropping points at the London Stadium, as United will look to get the charge into the Champions League places back on track.
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