Since returning to Manchester United as head coach until the end of the season, Michael Carrick has overseen a remarkable upturn in fortunes. The former midfielder has won six of his first seven matches, collecting 19 points from a possible 21, and his changes behind the scenes have included scrapping a training policy introduced by Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag. Players now have a designated rest day within 24 hours of a match, with recovery sessions moved to two days after fixtures.
Former United defender Wes Brown, who made over 350 appearances for the club, believes the move has been well received by the squad. Speaking to The Mirror, Brown said: "For whatever reason, he's done it that way. For me, I think it's a respect thing. I'm guessing if they weren't winning, I don't think that would be happening, first of all. But it's like a little extra bonus, if that's how you want to put it."
Brown added that the approach can work if handled correctly. "It's something that can work in football, as long as it's done in the right way. You can get a reaction like we have at Manchester United. It's a tough old season, in the sense that there's many games. But there's lots of other teams that are still in other competitions and I don't think that extra day will do anyone any harm."
United's recent form has lifted them to third in the Premier League table, above Aston Villa on goal difference and three points clear of Liverpool in fifth. With ten games remaining, Carrick has boosted the club's hopes of securing Champions League qualification for the first time in three years. The Reds next travel to Newcastle United on Wednesday, aiming to extend an unbeaten league run to twelve matches.
Brown also addressed speculation that Carrick could become the permanent successor to Amorim in the summer. "He's definitely put his name very high up that list," Brown said. "Sometimes I always say, why change if it's working? He had a great spell at Middlesbrough. People will say it wasn't the Premier League, but with the team he had, very young players, he still did a very good job. Michael's definitely got himself as one of the front-runners."
