Manchester United find themselves once again on the brink of turmoil: supporters are in uproar, experts like Gary Neville are unleashing harsh criticism, and emotions surrounding the team are boiling over. Yet amidst the usual noise and panic, the critical question remains – what exactly needs to change on the pitch under Michael Carrick to halt the team's decline?
1. A shift from ineffective high pressing
The Red Devils' attempts to press their opponents are leaving much to be desired. Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford simply aren’t suited for effective pressing high up the pitch; despite their best efforts, they rarely win the ball back or force opponents into dangerous areas.
Teams like Ipswich and Fulham have been able to easily break through this pressing with quick passes to the flanks or balls over the top of the defence.
When the full-backs push up to support the press, they often leave gaping holes in their own defensive line. A return to the compact midfield block that served United well last season could provide a more solid foundation.
2. Struggles in finishing attacks
While Manchester United do a commendable job of advancing the ball through Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans, there is a catastrophic lack of sharpness in the final third. Utilizing Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes as withdrawn ‘false nines’ deprives the team of direct pressure on the opposing defence.
With Bryan Mbeumo on the flank, there often goes begging in the box when crosses come in.
Fernandes finds himself stuck in an uncomfortable zone between the opposition’s midfield and defence, which significantly hampers his creative potential.
Getting Benjamin Sesko fully fit could alleviate the attacking woes, although the forward is still finding it tough to recover from injury.
3. Overcrowding in central areas
This season, Carrick aims to control possession, but in encounters against the likes of Manchester City and Hull City, that has resulted in a congested midfield.
Most attacking players are keen to receive the ball with their backs to goal, causing the play to inevitably spill out wide, where no one is contesting aerial balls.
The situation could improve with regular runs behind the defenders, forcing opponents to sit deeper.
Can Carrick turn things around?
The atmosphere at Old Trafford is at fever pitch, although it hasn't yet reached the toxicity of the Eric ten Hag or Ruben Amorim eras. Lady Luck has not been on the side of the team (just look at the hits against the woodwork and devastating late goals conceded), leading to a significant dip in confidence. With a packed schedule of games every three days through to January, Michael Carrick urgently needs to revise his approach; otherwise, his name risks joining the long list of underperforming managers at Manchester United.
