2 Key Changes Michael Carrick Has Made to Improve Man United

One of Michael Carrick’s biggest key changes to the Man United team has been structural.

Under Ruben Amorim, United largely persisted with a 3-4-2-1 system. The setup offered attacking width, but often left the midfield stretched and the defensive line exposed during transitions. 

The spacing between lines became a recurring issue, particularly against stronger Premier League opposition. 

United’s defensive flaws were exposed clearly in the 3-0 loss at Man City in September. The Red Devils weren’t outplayed, with 1.37-1.49 XG and 55% possession, but they were undone by three clinical City attacks through the centre of the pitch. 

Carrick has simplified things by reverting to a back four and implementing a more structured 4-2-3-1 formation. 

Selecting a back four with the rejuvenated Kobbie Mainoo and Casimero has brought greater balance. The distances between defence and midfield are tighter, the full-backs are less isolated, and United look far more secure when possession turns over. 

The result was a complete contrast in solidity and cutting edge when United and City met again in January 2026, Carrick’s first game in charge.

The Red Devils produced a statement performance with far less possession (32%). United allowed City to dominate the ball, limited decent goalscoring opportunities in the central areas and broke with intent, leading to two excellent counter-attack goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu. 

The win could have been passed off as a psychological victory due to the new manager bounce. However, United beat Arsenal 3-2 away in their following game in a similar fashion, allowing the Gunners to have 56% of the ball. 

In six games under Carrick, Man United have conceded five goals and kept three clean sheets. Ultimately, the numbers highlight how the interim head coach has made the Red Devils harder to play through, providing a strong foundation for a top-four challenge. 

Before Michael Carrick’s appointment, Man United struggled to hold leads. Under Amorim, the Red Devils led 20 times and dropped points on seven occasions. 

United’s inability to hold leads were highlighted in two chaotic matches late in Amorim’s tenure. The 4-4 draw at home with Bournemouth, where the Red Devils led three times, and the 1-1 stalemate against Wolves at Old Trafford, showed the lack of confidence and defensive frailties with Amorim in charge. 

Since January 13, Carrick’s United have a league high of 2.67 points per game and they have shown more resilience in closing out matches. 

In particular, substitutions have been decisive. Clear roles from the bench have allowed United to either protect narrow leads or find late winners. 

For instance, key goals from Benjamin Sesko in tight fixtures against West Ham and Everton away have led to four points gained rather than points dropped. 

This is where the contrast with Ruben Amorim is most noticeable. Under Amorim, tactical identity sometimes overshadowed pragmatism. 

Under Michael Carrick, Man United are more situational. They adjust mid-game, manage and adapt to challenges and focus on team structure rather than chasing additional goals unnecessarily.

For a side chasing Champions League qualification, that kind of game-state awareness can be decisive across a Premier League run-in. And with no European or domestic cup football to pursue, Man United are well-placed under Michael Carrick to cement their top four place.