Michael Carrick has been appointed as Manchester United’s interim head coach and is expected to make major changes to the squad and their tactical approach
Michael Carrick is poised to shift away from Ruben Amorim’s favoured back three to a back four, following his appointment as Manchester United’s interim head coach.
The former United midfielder has struck a deal with the club’s top brass and been selected over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the position. Carrick has enlisted ex-England assistant manager Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion to join his coaching team.
Carrick’s vision for the squad impressed United chiefs during face-to-face discussions last Thursday, including his preference for a 4-2-3-1 formation.
With Carrick now at the helm for the upcoming Manchester derby and the remainder of the season, we examine the potential winners and losers from his appointment.
Winners
Bruno Fernandes has shone for United regardless of the demands placed on him, but will undoubtedly relish the chance to move into a more advanced role. The Portuguese midfielder is set to be Carrick’s first choice as No.10, providing creativity to unlock a front three.
Kobbie Mainoo could see more opportunities in the centre of the pitch with Fernandes moving forward. This leaves a spot open in the midfield alongside Casemiro.
Diogo Dalot may not have had a standout spell across various positions, but a shift to a back four could see him return to his more natural full-back role. The same can be said for Noussair Mazraoui, whose adaptability has proven beneficial.
Losers
Patrick Dorgu might find it harder to secure playing time. The Danish player was signed as a wing-back last January and will need to work hard to secure his spot on the left ahead of Luke Shaw.
Dorgu has recently been used in the front line, but his opportunities could dwindle once Bryan Mbeumo and Amad return from AFCON.
England star Mason Mount‘s position becomes less certain in Carrick’s formation. The former Chelsea star isn’t ideally suited to the winger role and could find himself competing directly with Fernandes, which isn’t an enviable position.
United’s central defenders will be vying for fewer spots. Shaw may be secure on the left, but the promising Ayden Heaven might find it harder to get game time as a junior member of the team.
Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt might also have concerns about their speed being exposed in the new formation.
Amad‘s position becomes uncertain under Carrick. The Ivory Coast star rarely disappointed Amorim, but the Portuguese coach often shoehorned the player into the side as a wing-back.
The former Sunderland loanee is talented enough to challenge further up the pitch but faces the tough task of competing with Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo.
£62.5million summer signing Matheus Cunha is still expected to be the first choice on the left wing, but he might need some time to adapt to playing on the left under Amorim. The Brazilian has found it challenging in recent games when positioned wide and would likely favour a more central role if it can be arranged.