Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick has reportedly banned long throws at the club, bucking a trend that has seen the tactic grow in popularity across the Premier League. The move comes after Liverpool boss Arne Slot criticised the increased use of set-piece strategies in English football.
Under previous manager Ruben Amorim, United scored 13 goals from dead-ball situations, with only Arsenal (18) bettering that tally. Diogo Dalot was tasked with long throws, leading to 13 shots. However, since Carrick took over, United have managed just one shot from a long throw, indicating a significant drop in reliance on the tactic.
Slot had earlier voiced his displeasure with the emphasis on set pieces in the Premier League, comparing it unfavourably to other leagues. He said: "If I watch other leagues, I do not see as much emphasis on set pieces. Here, you can almost hit a goalkeeper in the face, and the referee still says 'play on'. Do I like that? My heart as a former player does not like it."
Despite the change in approach, Carrick has overseen a turnaround in United's fortunes. The 44-year-old has won seven of his first 10 matches in caretaker charge, losing just once. United now sit fourth in the Premier League, one point clear of Aston Villa and six ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool, with seven games remaining.
United return to action on April 13 against Leeds United as they push for Champions League qualification.
