Man Utd information: Michael Carrick enforces new rule as problem to gamers laid down
Michael Carrick’s Manchester United thrashed Sabah 4-0 in their return to the Champions League and now he is preparing for bigger challenges to come
Michael Carrick has decisions to make at Manchester United
Manchester United are confronting a crucial weekend in the Premier League after thrashing Sabah on their return to the Champions League.
Michael Carrick’s side ran out 4-0 winners at home against the Azerbaijani minnows on Thursday night. Goals from Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko and Lisandro Martinez gave the Red Devils an opening win in the competition’s league phase.
Now they face a stern test against local rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday, who Carrick kickstarted his Red Devils reign against with a superb 2-0 win in January. It’s a huge opportunity for him to do the same and give this season a massive boost – here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has made a key change at the club(Image: Getty Images)
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Michael Carrick makes rule change
United’s academy talents have been handed a lift in their aspirations of breaking into the first team, with the club’s U21 outfit now mirroring Carrick’s tactical approach.
Under the fresh strategy, U21 manager Adam Lawrence has switched from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 setup, reports the Mirror.
The policy being implemented under Carrick’s leadership will provide all academy prospects with a seamless transition to the senior squad as players will already be accustomed to the expectations of their position and challenged to meet the requirements of the role.
The Daily Mail reports the team have also adopted Carrick’s utilisation of a false nine, replicating the manager’s deployment of Matheus Cunha.
It is suggested Chido Obi’s loan departure and academy striker Louie Bradbury’s move to Stoke City could indicate a strategic shift away from traditional centre-forwards.
Meanwhile, the tactical change will enable 15-year-old sensation Gabriel to mirror Bruno Fernandes’ role as he finds his feet in the U21 setup.
Premier League request granted
Matheus Cunha celebrates after he scored the opening goal against Sabah(Image: AP Photo/Dave Thompson)
The Premier League have accepted appeals from United and other clubs by agreeing to reveal their festive fixture list.
The Red Devils campaigned for the league and broadcasters to reach an earlier verdict on which matches would be televised in December to give fans additional time to make arrangements.
The Daily Mail reports that United held discussions with senior Premier League and broadcasting executives to ask that the details be released more than a month sooner than last year, when the confirmation the club would welcome Newcastle on Boxing Day in 2025 was announced on October 31.
It’s reported the Football Supporters Association were engaged in discussions about advancing the announcement to assist fans in organising their travel plans. All matches were initially scheduled for 3pm kick-offs on Saturday, December 26, but these times were subject to alteration.
It has been officially announced United will welcome Nottingham Forest on Sunday, December 27, with the match set to start at 4.30pm.
The team will also face Sunderland in an evening fixture at Old Trafford, kicking off at 7.30pm on Wednesday, December 30.
