Joshua Zirkzee has been left incredibly impressed by one Manchester United star who has played in a “different role” under Michael Carrick.
Michael Carrick was handed the Manchester United head coach role until the end of the season just days before the Manchester derby, following a two-game stint under Darren Fletcher after Rúben Amorim’s sacking. Since then, United have been magnificent.
There have been blips in performance against Everton and West Ham United, but the Red Devils have continued to fight through with late goals from Benjamin Šeško, earning United one point against the Hammers and three more against Everton. He also scored in the last minutes of the Fulham match to rescue victory from a draw, while Matheus Cunha’s late goal stole a win at the Emirates Stadium in Carrick’s second match.
United’s fight and determination, which is clearly present with Carrick at the helm, hasn’t always been seen under previous managers, mainly Amorim and Erik ten Hag. But the crowd’s support for Carrick’s style of football has helped the 11 on the pitch keep going until the dying moments.
There’s no doubting United have been much improved with the interim head coach. United now sit fourth in the Premier League, just three points behind third-place Aston Villa. Champions League qualification will be Carrick’s main aim from his second stint at the head of the United dugout.
The change to the 4-2-3-1 formation has had a huge impact, too – even though United’s in-possession system has represented a similar shape to the one seen under Amorim – as the players appear to feel more comfortable, and the fanbase are happier with what they’re seeing.
Zirkzee impressed by standout star
Before his hamstring injury against Arsenal, Patrick Dorgu was among the best players in Carrick’s new system. He played on the left wing for the former midfielder, despite featuring for Amorim mainly as a wing-back.
Dorgu occasionally played as a right-winger, especially towards the end of Amorim’s stint, but the switch to the left flank, which was first trialled by Fletcher against Burnley, has proved dividends. The young Dane’s injury was a huge blow for Carrick.
Speaking on United’s podcast Inside Carrington, Joshua Zirkzee said: “Before his injury… You know he’s good, but the way he popped off playing in a different role than he’d ever before…
“I think, not quite a surprise because everyone here knows they’re really good, you know what I mean? But it’s still like, wow, this kid is GOOD…
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Dorgu’s return will be a huge boost
Dorgu netted goals in Carrick’s first two games against Manchester City and Arsenal. And to use Zirkzee’s words, the goal against Arsenal was “wow”.
If it hadn’t been for the injury, Dorgu would likely be starting week-in, week-out for Carrick’s side, despite the form of Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
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The two new signings combined well for Šeško’s goal against Everton. Cunha played a brilliantly weighted switch over to Mbeumo, who had the time to take it down and play a simple ball into Šeško’s stride.
Amad was withdrawn early against Everton, so Dorgu could replace him when he finally does return, although Šeško is also worthy of a start.
Carrick has a big decision on his hands for United’s next match against Crystal Palace. Will Šeško finally get his first start under Carrick?
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