Michael Carrick Overturns Ruben Amorim's Holiday Ban at Manchester United
Michael Carrick has swiftly implemented significant changes behind the scenes at Manchester United, just over a month into his tenure as interim manager. While his immediate focus has been on results on the pitch, securing four wins from his first four matches, a notable shift in player management has emerged. Carrick has notably scrapped the stringent holiday rule enforced by his predecessor, Ruben Amorim, granting squad members more autonomy over their free time during fixture breaks.
New Leniency Allows Players to Capitalise on Break
Under Amorim's regime, players were prohibited from taking holidays, even during periods without scheduled matches. This policy has been relaxed under Carrick's leadership. The team's early exit from the FA Cup, which occurred under caretaker Darren Fletcher, has resulted in a thirteen-day hiatus between games. United are not set to return to action until February 23rd, when they face Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium. This extended break, coupled with the new permission, has allowed several players to travel.
Bruno Fernandes and Senne Lammens were among the first to take instant advantage of this newfound freedom. Both have utilised the downtime to travel abroad, visiting familiar faces and former clubs during the pause in the Premier League calendar.
Senne Lammens Returns to Royal Antwerp in Belgium
Goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who joined United in an £18.2 million transfer, made a return visit to his former club, Royal Antwerp, over the weekend. The Belgian side publicly shared an image of the 23-year-old at their home stadium. Lammens had been a key figure for Antwerp last season, serving as their first-choice keeper and helping them secure a fifth-place finish. Unfortunately, his presence did not bring luck to his old team; Antwerp fell to a 2-0 defeat against Westerlo, leaving them in 11th place after 25 matches and further dimming their European qualification hopes.
Bruno Fernandes Watches Pacos de Ferreira in Portugal
Meanwhile, club captain Bruno Fernandes was spotted in Portugal, attending the match between Pacos de Ferreira and Torreense. The game ended in a goalless draw, a result that does little to help struggling Pacos de Ferreira in their battle to avoid a second relegation in four years. Reports from Portuguese media indicate Fernandes was present primarily for a reunion with Pacos midfielder Francisco Ramos. The two had previously been teammates for Portugal's Under-21 national side before their careers took different paths.
"It's always special. He's someone close to me and my family," Ramos told A Bola. "Furthermore, it's always special to have a figure like him from our football watching us. It enhances Portuguese football, it enhances Paços de Ferreira, and I'm happy to have him close by."
This policy reversal marks a distinct cultural shift at Carrington. While Carrick's on-field tactics have brought initial success, his off-field management style, emphasising greater personal freedom during breaks, is now being tested. How this approach impacts squad morale and performance in the long term remains to be seen as United prepare for their crucial clash with Everton later this month.
