How Michael Carrick’s Man Utd will line-up with new Bruno Fernandes function as stars dropped

Michael Carrick has been appointed as Manchester United’s interim manager and is expected to bring a more traditional style of play back to Old Trafford – benefiting Bruno Fernandes in particular

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Michael Carrick has been appointed as Manchester United’s interim manager, taking the reins just seven months after his departure from Middlesbrough.

Carrick’s history at Old Trafford stands him in good stead. The former midfielder was part of Premier League and Champions League winning teams, then served as an assistant under different managers before enjoying a three-game unbeaten stint as caretaker.

His return to the dugout is expected to see United revert to a more traditional style of play that suits the current squad. Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation has been a hot topic for over a year.

Its unique nature and complexities meant players had to adapt to new roles, performing in ways they hadn’t previously in their careers. This is all set to change under Carrick, who made his intentions clear during his tenure at the Riverside Stadium.

He made a significant initial impact, lifting Boro from the lower reaches of the table to the play-offs. Along the way, he boosted the careers of Morgan Rogers, now thriving at Aston Villa, and helped transform Chuba Akpom into the Championship’s top player, earning him a transfer to Ajax.

As with any managerial change, some players will benefit while others may lose out. With the shift in tactics, certain individuals will see their roles altered, with Bruno Fernandes and the full-backs being prime examples.

Formation and attacking mindset

Carrick favours a 4-2-3-1 formation, which should ideally allow United’s defence to settle into more familiar positions. This means that two centre-backs will likely miss out, given Amorim’s preference for a three-man defence.

Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven and Matthijs de Ligt are expected to be the five contenders when all are fit.

During his time at Middlesbrough, Carrick had an effective left-back in Ryan Giles, who was given considerable freedom to push forward. This often resulted in the team adopting a back three in attack, with the right-back tucking in.

It remains to be seen whether he’ll adopt this approach in Manchester. The most attack-minded full-back they have is perhaps Patrick Dorgu, who was signed by Amorim as a wing-back.

If Carrick wants to maximise the use of his full-backs, it could be Dorgu who is given this freedom, although Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw have also proven effective going forward.

One of Carrick’s biggest success stories was Akpom, who netted 29 times in all competitions in the 2022/23 season despite showing little indication of being a prolific scorer. He played as the team’s No 10, often timing his runs effectively.

Bruno Fernandes could be the main beneficiary here. Under Amorim, he’s had to adjust to a more traditional central midfield role, which has limited his attacking contributions.

However, Carrick’s arrival could see him return to his playmaker position. With Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Mason Mount and Amad as wide options, the Portuguese star would have plenty of support and has previously demonstrated his scoring prowess.

Will defensive issues persist?

One challenge Carrick will need to tackle, which was highlighted during his time at Middlesbrough, is his team’s defensive vulnerability. Championship managers noted that they felt they could exploit Boro on the counter-attack, suggesting weaknesses in transition.

Unfortunately for Carrick, he won’t find a ball-winning midfielder ready to disrupt play when he arrives in Manchester. Amorim’s wish to bring in someone for this role was well known, hence the reported interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba over the summer.

Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are all potential options, although each comes with their own concerns. Having spent much time on the bench under Amorim, Mainoo could see his United career revitalised and, despite his age, he possesses the qualities of someone who could eventually excel in that role.

Carrick has already praised the academy graduate, stating: “To have a talent like that, as he’s already shown, you’ve got to say: ‘Right, he gets it, he knows it – let’s help him, build on him, and stick with him. I think there’s definitely a place for him.”

The former United ace is set to assemble an impressive backroom team. Steve Holland, formerly assistant to the England squad, is expected to be his right-hand man. Jonathan Woodgate, who was his assistant at Boro, has also joined the coaching team.

Carrick’s most notable achievements came straight after his appointment at Middlesbrough, and United will be hoping for a similar impact.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1) to face Manchester City:

Senne Lammens, Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Patrick Dorgu, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko

When United welcome back everyone from injury and AFCON, expect to see Noussair Mazrouai replace Diogo Dalot at right-back due to the Portuguese’s defensive frailties, with the Moroccan potentially being used as the extra centre-back if Carrick choses to operate Dorgu in the same role as Giles at Middlesbrough.

Matthijs de Ligt would seemingly be one of the first names on the teamsheet when he eventually makes his return from a back problem. Youngsters Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven will have to wait their time to adapt to a two centre-back system.

Without a wing-back role, Amad Diallo will be an interesting enigma, with his preferred role on the right-wing to be occupied by Bryan Mbeumo.