Just Charging Toward Happiness
Michael Carrick has brought happiness to Manchester United fans, reaching every household's bedroom...
Winning four consecutive games is no easy feat given the longstanding, chronic issues both in the club's football structure and on-field performance.
Carrick, a former player who has served as coach, assistant coach, and interim manager before, knows the problems very well.
When taking over as interim manager for the second time, his first concrete action was to address these problems.
He tackled the gloomy atmosphere and player discomfort left by the previous manager, both in team cohesion and on-field play.
His simple, straightforward training approach, combined with one-on-one talks and coaching, revived the team’s spirit.
One essential core of football is understanding the players’ identities.
Having experienced success as a Manchester United player, winning every major trophy, Carrick understands team dynamics well.
He reached out to every player with simplicity but seriousness and determination before moving on to football tactics.
A major longstanding problem was the team's playing style.
Previously, Manchester United struggled with defensive and offensive play, compactness, timing, and unity.
Carrick reorganized the gameplay with the key principle that every unit on the field must stay close together.
As a result, the Red Devils' play became tighter and more cohesive; the defense supported each other, and the attack pressed opponents effectively as a group.
In a short time, Carrick fixed these issues remarkably fast, turning difficult tasks into seemingly simple solutions overnight.
Carrick quickly assessed the situation, not imposing his own philosophy but instead creating balance and tailoring strategies suited to this squad.
After four games, Carrick has settled on the best starting eleven, evident in how well the players fit their positions and flow together.
The timeless 4-4-2 system was adopted as a flexible, easily understood setup for players, improving defense without the ball and coordinated attacking.
The back four features experienced Harry Maguire as sweeper, partnering with Lisandro Martinez as stopper.
The previously problematic central midfield pairing now looks settled with Casemiro and young talent Kobbie Menu, who lacked opportunities under Ruben Amorim.
Casemiro and Menu coordinate smoothly, alternating between attack and defense seamlessly, unlike their earlier awkward performances under Erik ten Hag or Ruben Amorim.
The wide attackers are key in Carrick’s plan: Ahmad performs well as right winger, also contributing solidly to defense.
Patrick Dorgu at left wing appears more mature, using his energy to tighten defense, support attacks, and even score goals.
Bruno Fernandes plays in his favored role as number 10, allowing the Portuguese star to fully focus on creating plays.
The number 9 striker role is filled by Bryan Mbeumo, a modern forward capable of playing any front-line position.
Carrick explained dropping Benjamin Sesko and Mateus Cunha was due to tactical fit, not ability—choosing players best suited to his plan.
After Dorgu suffered a long-term injury, Cunha stepped in perfectly, showing aggressive defense and being naturally strong in attack.
Another factor making the game lively is Carrick’s freedom given to players to express themselves fully on the pitch.
While team structure and individual responsibilities remain strict, players are free to use their imagination when in possession.
Examples include Casemiro and Menu’s flashy no-look passes and Bruno’s rabona crosses.
Everyone enjoys the game together, including Carrick and the coaching staff who engage closely and informally with the players.
Not to forget the backroom staff: Steve Holland, an experienced coach who has worked with Rafael Benitez, Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, and Gareth Southgate with England.
Holland is the tactical brain behind training planning and in-game strategies tailored to individual players.
Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans, former top-level defenders, assist with coaching the backline, bringing firsthand experience.
All these are in-depth examples of changes Carrick has made that have clearly improved the team.
"Now the team is settled... we know exactly what we need to do,"
"It's good... stability is important for us, and we will keep moving forward."
"We have top-level players... highly skilled individuals, and good defenders too—that builds trust."
"Sometimes you control the game; sometimes you face challenges, but you must give players the chance to find ways to win and do what they feel."
"I think I try to do that in many ways, and all of us as coaches try to do the same."
Carrick spoke about unity: "I could talk about it all day when you see moments of players celebrating with fans."
"The players’ reactions warming up before the match and celebrating with Ben [Sesko] for the crucial goal are very important."
"I like seeing that... you can’t fake it."
Carrick has 17 games left to manage the Red Devils until the season ends, and the future remains uncertain...
The team's goal is to return to the UEFA Champions League, a tough task, but with four straight wins, the Red Army has begun to dream.
Who will be the permanent manager?
Will Carrick be the one to take the permanent Manchester United manager seat?
Let the future answer... for now, Manchester United fans are joyfully charging forward, just waiting to see what happens next...
MankCs