In his first match in charge of the Premier League, interim coach Carrick "knew the enemy and knew himself" when he visited Chelsea in round 13. He accepted to play as the underdog, boldly leaving striker Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench, and fielding 3 defensive midfielders to counterattack. In the match at Stamford Bridge, Carrick played with a 4-3-1-2 formation in the hope of winning 1 point. The two strikers Rashford and Sancho played highest up front, while Bruno Fernandes played as an attacking midfielder.

Although they did not win the game, with a bit of luck and the excellence of goalkeeper De Gea, MU finally got a 1-1 draw with the top team Chelsea. Currently, MU is ranked 8th on the rankings and 12 points behind the top team Chelsea, but the opportunity to enter the top 4, to win a ticket to the Champions League is still there.

3:15 a.m. on December 3, 2021, the Red Devils will host Arsenal. Photo: CNN

100th win?

234 head-to-head matches, the advantage is on MU's side with 99 wins, 50 draws and 85 losses. After the match with Chelsea, MU returned to Old Trafford to host Arsenal, who are 5 points ahead of them in the match of round 14. The good news is that the owners of Old Trafford have just confirmed the signing of coach Ralf Rangnick. Accordingly, the 63-year-old German coach will lead MU until the end of this season, then switch to the role of advisor for the next 2 seasons. Because he is applying for a work permit, Mr. Ralf Rangnick can only watch the match from the stands.

Playing at home, in his debut for Old Trafford fans, interim coach Carrick needs to show his personal mark. The away team Arsenal of coach Mikel Arteta is not as strong as before, of course, they cannot have an attack like Chelsea. In terms of force, center back Harry (Maguire) can return after suspension, so MU has more options.

MU legend Paul Scholes believes that Carrick should take the initiative to play offensively, which means Ronaldo will be on the field from the start. He said: “Of course I want toRonaldoreturn to the starting lineup and play highest up front, alongside Rashford and Sancho".

Sancho, who has scored two goals in two games since Ole left the team, is naturally given priority on the right wing. Rashford, who is on the way to recovery, should also be given a chance on the left. Behind them are three midfielders who had a very good game at Stamford Bridge. In the middle, Fred plays alongside Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes plays highest in midfield, supporting the attacking trio.

Refresh Fred

Cristiano Ronaldo's goal against Villarreal and Mendy's interception against Chelsea showed that if United play pressing, the Brazilian international will play to his strengths. Coach Carrick is right when his predecessor Ole and he still see midfielder Fred as an important part of the team regardless of public opinion. "I don't think many people know that becoming a starting midfielder in a star-studded squad like the Brazilian national team is a big leap for Fred. I like him for his fighting spirit and desire to improve, always ready to go out and give his all." Perhaps coach Carrick has found a solution, freeing up some of his defensive duties, pushing Fred higher to pressure the opponent.

MU's defense is in good shape. With veteran center-back Varane out injured, Bailly and Lindelof are still the best options at center-back, and Maguire could also be an option when needed. At left-back, Telles will start, with Wan-Bissaka on the opposite wing. At goalkeeper, of course, De Gea cannot be replaced. Will MU get 3 points this time?