Manchester United has finally made a decision regarding the interim replacement for Ruben Amorim last Tuesday. The club appointed former midfielder Michael Carrick as caretaker manager until the end of the season.
Carrick, who made 464 appearances for the Red Devils, is far from a stranger at Old Trafford. He also brings managerial experience, having spent three years at Middlesbrough, but the task awaiting him at Manchester United is on a much higher level.
Fan frustration over the past decade has created a toxic mix of apathy and anger, and despite criticism often being directed at the club’s hierarchy, Carrick will face immense pressure if results do not improve—even in an interim capacity.
While Manchester United faces numerous challenges, Carrick can only address issues on the pitch. Here are the three key areas he must focus on immediately to get the club back on track.
Stabilizing a Fragile Defense
The first priority for Michael Carrick is to implement a permanent back four. During his tenure at Middlesbrough, he almost exclusively used a 4-2-3-1 formation and rarely deviated from that system. This suggests Carrick is likely to abandon the 3-4-2-1 formation left behind by Amorim.
Consistency at the back is urgently needed. United has conceded 32 Premier League goals this season, the highest among the top 14 teams. Constant changes in the defensive line have only worsened the situation, with just two clean sheets in 21 games—a statistic that is hard to justify for a team of Manchester United’s stature.
The arrival of goalkeeper Senne Lammens provides certainty in goal, but major decisions still need to be made in the back four. Luke Shaw appears secure at left-back, with Lisandro Martínez at left center-back. Matthijs de Ligt could lead the defense once he recovers from injury, while Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui will compete for the right-back spot.
Whatever the final configuration, stability is key. Too many changes will confuse a defense already underperforming, especially when player chemistry has been difficult to establish. With United out of European competition and eliminated from domestic cups, rotation in the backline is largely unnecessary.
Reviving an Exciting Playing Style
Manchester United’s play in the final third has become stale and predictable. Statistically, however, the team shows promise: they rank near the top for shots on target per game and second in expected goals (xG) in the Premier League this season.
Still, recent attacking performances have been disappointing. United has scored more than one goal in only one of their last six matches—a 2-0 effort against 19th-placed Burnley, which still failed to secure a victory. Draws against Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers highlight serious issues in breaking down low-block defenses.
Carrick is known for a possession-based, high-output philosophy, having led Middlesbrough to 220 goals in 136 games. This track record is a positive sign, particularly as he now manages talented Premier League forwards.
Wingers could pose a particular challenge following United’s summer exodus. Currently, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo are the only senior natural options. Carrick will need to find solutions to ensure width and creativity on the flanks.
Shortly after being announced as interim manager, Carrick stated his vision:
“I hope we can play truly entertaining football, be positive, express ourselves, and bring joy. I want people to stand from their seats.”
Restoring Kobbie Mainoo to Peak Form
Kobbie Mainoo’s situation has been a source of unnecessary frustration this season. After a loan request was denied last summer, the 20-year-old midfielder was largely ignored by Amorim during the first half of the season. He has yet to start a Premier League match in 2025/2026.
Mainoo fell victim to a system that forced him to compete directly with Bruno Fernandes for a single spot—a near-impossible challenge. United’s absence from European competition has further limited his playing time. However, Amorim’s departure could signal a turning point.
Mainoo seems ideal to pair with Casemiro in a double pivot under Carrick, allowing Fernandes to operate further forward as a No.10. Carrick has previously praised Mainoo, suggesting he is ready to give the young academy graduate the opportunity to prove himself.
Allowing Mainoo space to regain his rhythm would also be welcomed by Manchester United fans, frustrated with the midfielder’s limited minutes. For Carrick, this represents a simple yet effective step to boost team morale and reintroduce energy in midfield.
Conclusion
Michael Carrick’s appointment as interim manager presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Stabilizing the backline, reviving attacking fluidity, and restoring Kobbie Mainoo’s confidence are immediate priorities. By focusing on these three areas, Carrick can lay the groundwork to steady Manchester United, reconnect with fans, and ensure the team competes at its expected level in the second half of the season.
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