Since Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, discussions around Manchester United’s connection to its core DNA have dominated the headlines. Questions lingered about whether the club’s identity still existed.
Yet, moments like these make it clear. A stoppage-time winner, delivered when victory seemed nearly impossible, reminded everyone what Manchester United truly represents.
Michael Carrick’s post-match reflections capture the sentiment of many fans.
Benjamin Sesko deserved the spotlight for scoring the dramatic 3-2 winner against Fulham. However, when the celebrations settled, supporters began reflecting on Amorim’s 14-month tenure, questioning whether an entire season had been squandered.
Amorim, of course, had led the team to remarkable victories. The epic 5-4 win over Lyon in the Europa League last April, with two last-minute goals in extra time, remains unforgettable.
Carrick, meanwhile, has long been familiar with these moments. He once came on as a substitute in injury time before Michael Owen scored his legendary goal in the 2009 Manchester derby.
The Feeling of Victory
The emotion remains the same.
“This is the best feeling,” Carrick said.
“Some of the greatest moments I’ve experienced here were when emotions and excitement exploded like that. There’s no place like it, in front of the Stretford End, and it feels so much more meaningful,” he continued.
“People don’t just take home a United win. There’s a layer of emotion and connection that comes with it. That’s why we all love this club. Moments like this are part of its essence. It’s not always easy, of course—we’d like to win more comfortably—but when moments like this come, it’s truly special,” Carrick added.
Rebuilding After Amorim
Let’s set the record straight.
The Fulham victory marked Carrick’s third consecutive Premier League win, achieved in his first three matches of his second spell as manager. Amorim required 36 league games to string together three successive victories—and managed it only once during his 14-month tenure.
Following Chelsea and Liverpool’s results the previous day, Manchester United climbed back into the top-four positions—a milestone Amorim never reached at the end of any week during his reign.
Considering Carrick’s short tenure in 2021, he has now won four of his five league games in charge, becoming the third United manager to achieve this feat, following Sir Matt Busby in 1946 and Ole Gunnar Solskjær in 2019.
Amorim needed 12 league matches to achieve four wins, only to win once in the subsequent ten fixtures. His average of 1.23 points per game ranks as the lowest among all United managers since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013.
System and Personnel
Tactical and personnel issues also highlight the contrast. While defensive fragility isn’t entirely solved, the shift from a three-back to a four-back system under Carrick didn’t worsen United’s performance. This tactical evolution opened space for Kobbie Mainoo’s resurgence.
Under Amorim this season, Mainoo never started a league match, constantly competing with captain Bruno Fernandes. Against Fulham, however, Mainoo delivered a dominant performance. Defensively solid and offensively precise, his positioning and ball distribution were key in unlocking Fulham’s defense.
“Kobbie’s performance today was excellent in many areas,” Carrick commented.
“He and Casemiro had significant responsibilities in midfield, particularly off the ball, and I thought they were outstanding. With the ball, he never looked nervous. He knows what’s required and always produces quality moments. We expect that from him, but sometimes we forget just how young he is. There’s still a lot ahead, and watching him play with such confidence is a joy,” added the 44-year-old manager.
Next Challenge and Shadows of the Past
United’s next test is Tottenham. During the Europa League final in Bilbao, Amorim failed to devise a winning plan against Spurs, a team that underperformed domestically last season and has shown little improvement.
Tottenham enters the fixture with confidence after recovering from a two-goal deficit to draw with Manchester City recently. This outcome slightly eased pressure on Thomas Frank, the successor of Ange Postecoglou, who had defeated United in Bilbao.
Losing that crucial Champions League playoff affected United significantly, both in prestige and finances. Amorim could have been dismissed then, but the club opted to maintain stability. The decision changed after a 1-1 draw with Leeds earlier this month, as club executives were unwilling to risk missing European football for a second consecutive season.
In just three matches, Carrick has guided United into Champions League contention and created a five-point gap over seventh-place Brentford. Sixth place already secures Europa League football, meeting the club’s minimum target for the season.
While debates over Carrick’s permanent appointment may continue, one question remains almost settled: the lingering doubt now isn’t about his competence but rather why Amorim was appointed in the first place. As a long-time United critic put it: “Aside from his press conferences, what did he actually master?”
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