Manchester United: It's time to trust Michael Carrick instead of chasing glamour.
The 2-0 victory against Man City solidified Michael Carrick's tactical brilliance, helping MU escape the shadow of the Amorim era and prompting demands for a long-term contract.
After the gloomy and difficult days under the short reign of manager Ruben Amorim, Manchester United fans finally found reason to smile. The 2-0 victory against Manchester City at Old Trafford was not simply three points, but a huge relief in terms of morale, marking the resurgence of the Red Devils' identity under Michael Carrick's guidance.
Tactical imprint and the liberation of key players.
The biggest highlight of the derby victory was how Michael Carrick wisely cleaned up the tactical remnants of his predecessor. Instead of trying to impose complex formations, Carrick returned Bruno Fernandes to his preferred number 10 position. This change immediately proved effective, opening up space for Kobbie Mainoo to shine in midfield instead of being relegated to the bench as before.
The defense also underwent an incredible transformation. Lisandro Martinez, who had been doubted to be overshadowed by Erling Haaland, played an outstanding game. The center-back said he made the most of the "energy from the fans," as advised by Carrick, to turn Old Trafford into a true fortress. Even Pep Guardiola had to admit that the Red Devils' counter-attacking style – or "transition" – was extremely sharp.
Overcoming the haunting memories of the past.
However, Manchester United's leadership needs to keep a cool head. In fact, most managers after the Alex Ferguson era, from Jose Mourinho to Erik Ten Hag, have had resounding victories against their neighbors but subsequently failed to maintain consistency. The specter of the "Solskjaer scenario"—a brilliant start followed by a decline after signing a permanent contract—remains a major psychological barrier for the INEOS owners.
However, the current context is different. Solskjaer's failure occurred during the chaotic management of Ed Woodward's era. Now, with a modern sporting structure and a new leadership team, the role of the head coach has been more clearly redefined. Michael Carrick not only understands the team's culture but also demonstrates adaptability, something he proved when leading the team to victories over Villarreal and Arsenal in 2021.
Long-term vision and team identity
Currently, Carrick's contract only runs until the end of the season. The management's hesitation in making a formal appointment suggests they are still considering candidates like Oliver Glasner or Thomas Tuchel. However, looking at Barcelona's successes under former managers like Pep Guardiola or Luis Enrique, placing faith in someone with deep internal club knowledge is a calculated move.
The next challenge at Arsenal's ground will be the toughest test of Carrick's managerial abilities. If he can maintain stability and connect with the dressing room, he deserves the patience the club has wasted on other foreign names. Instead of constantly searching for stars on the coaching bench where conflicts frequently arise, Manchester United should believe in their own identity and their people to rebuild their empire.
