There are still 9 Premier League games left for Manchester United this season, and despite a dreadful start to the season, they have managed to climb the table and are, as of this post, 3rd in the table. No title race and no Europe has probably helped calm them and just focus on playing, but the pressure will build during the final run-in as they look to hold onto that top 4 finish to qualify for Europe's elite competition, the Champions League.
So in this posting, I will be discussing/analysing whether the Carrick Era is working and whether I would give him the job.
When Michael Carrick stepped into the managerial spotlight at Manchester United, expectations were mixed, and that is understandable. On one hand, you are bringing someone in with little Premier League knowledge and other than some good Championship League experience, the CV is lacking. However, Being A former player of the team, his deep understanding of the club could stabilise a struggling side and adapt Manchester United back to what the club once was. Recent performances suggest something interesting is happening at Old Trafford. Results have improved, players look more confident, and the team appears tactically clearer than it has in recent seasons. But there is an issue, or issues I should say. United have benefited from opponents being reduced to 10 players in their recent games, and they even lost one game despite having the man advantage. Another ongoing issue is United’s tendency to concede goals too easily, Sloppy passes, not running back and just failing to defend basic set pieces.
Games: 8
Wins: 6
Draws: 1
Losses: 1
2 of the wins came from beating teams reduced to 10 men.
What are the issues in these games?
In several matches during Carrick’s run, United conceded first. They were forced to come from behind. Individual moments rescued results. These back up the possession percentages too, in that Manchester United are still playing counter-attack football and rely on moments in the game. They struggle to keep the ball, and they struggle even more when breaking down a team that likes to sit deep, just like Newcastle did after going down to 10 men. The results under Michael Carrick have been impressive, but the underlying performances raise some questions.
Would I keep Carrick even if he cements top 4? No.
Michael Carrick has undoubtedly breathed new energy into Manchester United; however, a closer look at the performances reveals persistent concerns that make him unsuitable for a long-term managerial role. Remember, this is Manchester United, the so-called biggest club in the world, we have to get a world-class manager in.
I will save the manager and transfer debates for a future post, but for now, I conclude this one here for today. Thank you so much for reading this short post.
Disclaimer: Stats have been sourced from ChatGPT AI
