Michael Carrick led his players in a moment of communion with the travelling supporters following Manchester United's dramatic 3-2 victory away at Arsenal, a scene captured by photographer Tom Jenkins. This celebratory image symbolises the renewed belief coursing through the club after a second consecutive triumph under their interim manager.
The Carrick Effect: Simplicity and Sound Thinking
There appears to be no secret formula or special trick behind Michael Carrick's early success as Manchester United's caretaker boss. Instead, his approach has been defined by a steadfast commitment to sound and sensible football thinking. This stands in stark contrast to the recent tenure of Ruben Amorim, whose unwavering dedication to a 3-4-2-1 formation ultimately contributed to his dismissal.
Amorim's final days saw a brief, unconvincing flirtation with a back four before a reversion to a three-man defence for his last match at Leeds in early January. As the dust settles on Carrick's thrilling last-gasp win at the Emirates, following the home victory against Manchester City, it is a moment for the club's faithful to truly savour.
Celebration and Belief Restored
The bedlam in the away enclosure after Matheus Cunha's 87th-minute winner was palpable, a release of pent-up emotion that made all present feel lighter. The full-time whistle brought further celebrations, with songs ringing out for Carrick and for the consistently excellent Casemiro in midfield. Even minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was caught on camera, his beaming smile seemingly saying everything about the club's current mood.
The foundation for this result, mirroring the performance against City, was United's newfound assurance in possession. The team exhibited bursts of quick, direct passing to escape pressure and advance up the pitch. While not as pronounced as in the derby, these moments were crucial as Carrick's side recovered from a demanding opening half-hour.
Tactical Tweaks and Individual Brilliance
Key moments highlighted this approach. The interchanges between Patrick Dorgu and Bruno Fernandes preceded Dorgu's fierce long-range strike for United's second goal. Similarly, Kobbie Mainoo's swift, one-touch move after receiving from Fernandes bypassed Declan Rice and found Cunha, who produced another emphatic finish from distance.
This links to a fundamental shift. Under Carrick, it has not been a case of Fernandes or Mainoo plus an extra defender. It has been both of them – alongside Casemiro – operating with one fewer man at the back. This represents a departure from the 4-2-3-1 used by Darren Fletcher in caretaker spells against Burnley and Brighton, which yielded mixed results.
Carrick has made it work, with a notable focus on Mainoo's reintegration after being marginalised under Amorim. The academy product's composure on the ball, ability to receive under pressure, and drive to progress the team forward have been vital. Amorim's frustration may stem from signs of progress his team showed this season in build-up play, but a crippling inconsistency in both penalty areas proved his undoing.
The Challenge Ahead: Proving Consistency
Carrick has now secured two consecutive wins that were far from mere smash-and-grab operations. He faces a fresh and perverse challenge: replicating this form against teams where United are expected to dominate. Ironically, Amorim did not struggle in the biggest fixtures against Liverpool, City, and Arsenal, securing six positive results from nine.
The problems arose against less storied opponents. United's upcoming run features Fulham, Tottenham, West Ham, Everton, and Crystal Palace – matches where they will be favourites. Amorim's record against such clubs was poor, highlighting the task now before Carrick.
Sticking to the Basics
United goalkeeper Senne Lammens pinpointed Carrick's biggest strength. "I've got to be honest … there's not that many special things he did," Lammens said. "It's just like sticking to the basics. Football is basics. If you do the basics well, then our quality comes out."
Beyond formation and Mainoo's resurgence, Carrick's bold decisions have paid off. Playing Patrick Dorgu on the wing instead of left-back, and starting him ahead of Cunha against City, was a gamble that yielded a goal and a starring performance. Carrick has also pushed for savvy backroom appointments, like assistant Steve Holland, a lifelong United fan.
Furthermore, the interim manager has benefited from a less congested schedule, allowing valuable time on the training pitch. There has been no single silver bullet. Instead, it feels like a case of a manager implementing sensible measures, fitting the system to the players, and restoring a fundamental belief in the team's collective strength. As they prepare for Fulham, the challenge is to prove this revival is built on more than just a temporary bolt from the blocks.
