One piece of Michael Carrick’s side has stood out to Rio Ferdinand as United extend their run of good form to three wins out of three.
It is common to see a ‘new manager bounce’ from a team, but seeing Manchester United beat Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham in Michael Carrick’s first three games in charge has certainly took the Premier League by surprise.
Old Trafford saw a dramatic Benjamin Šeško winner in stoppage time as United moved up to fourth in their 3-2 win against Fulham.
Carrick has been a breath of fresh air for United fans, providing the stability which couldn’t be shown under former boss, Ruben Amorim. Carrick has since reverted the squad to a back four, given three successive full 90’s to Kobbie Mainoo and brought enjoyable football back to Old Trafford.
The former Middlesborough manager’s tactical shift has also caught the attention of his former teammate and Manchester United icon, Rio Ferdinand, who identified one quality in the side which was a consistent absence under Amorim.
Ferdinand spots partnerships forming
Ferdinand has consistently been very vocal online regarding Manchester United’s performances, both good and bad. Thankfully for him, he picked out one tactical tweak which has changed United for the better.
When speaking on his YouTube Channel, Ferdinand stated: “What’s great about the last three games, is we’re starting to now see partnerships all over the pitch.”
“Amad-Dalot, Maguire-Martinez, Casemiro-Kobbie, there’s partnerships there. If your are going to win anything, you need those around the pitch.”
“I Know everyone always talks about our centre-back pairings, and that’s important, [but] all over the pitch. Beckham and Neville, Giggs and Irwin, Giggs and Patrice Evra. To be successful, all the teams, you need that.”
“That Partner can guide you in moments of distress in a game where things aren’t looking as rosy as they normally do, but you look a bit out of sorts. I’ve got my partner backing me up, he’s sorting me out, he’s talking to me talking through this one for 10 minutes and you get through it.”
Carrick bringing back the United DNA
Carrick knows the club as good as anyone, with experience as both a player and a manager. He understands the pressure of the shirt and how to deal with the expectations that follow.
The comparisons of old and new bring back a confidence in the squad that fans have been starved of for years.
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Ferdinand has the knowledge and the understanding to identify the details in the current side that can have monumental impacts to the season.
With United still hunting down a Champions League finish, these partnerships will be the glue which connects the team both physically and mentally as we enter the latter stages of the season.
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