Manchester United face Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg this weekend, and although the French side may not be at full strength, the match offers Michael Carrick a chance to measure his own midfield project against a team he admires.
Before taking the United job, Carrick spoke highly of Luis Enrique's side, saying he would have loved to play for them in his prime. Their success is built on midfield ball retention and the technical brilliance of players like Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz.
A Style Carrick Embraces
That style mirrors Carrick's own playing philosophy, which focused on tempo-setting and control rather than physicality. Now with a permanent role at Old Trafford, he aims to build a midfield resembling PSG's, making this week's game a key barometer.
However, Carrick faces a challenge: PSG's dominance in Ligue 1 allows heavy rotation, keeping their stars fresh for the Champions League. The Premier League's physical demands differ, and last season's trends favored duels and set-pieces, though Carrick hopes for a shift toward possession-based football.
Building a New United Midfield
As a coach at Middlesbrough and United, Carrick has preached possession. This pre-season is his first chance to imprint his style on the squad he inherited. He has signed two technically gifted midfielders and repositioned Mason Mount as a deep-lying playmaker.
Carrick wants United to dominate with the ball, a standard once set by Barcelona but now seemingly held by PSG. His admiration is clear: “Of course they’re winning, but it’s the way they play that really stands out. The midfield rotations, the constant connections, the quick, short passing… it’s exactly the kind of football I enjoy.”
He added: “Then you look at the pace, movement and energy of the forwards. The way they attack space is incredible and, as a midfielder, that’s the dream because you’ve always got options ahead of you. You’re constantly involved, always getting on the ball, always looking to play forward and keep the game flowing. That’s the kind of football every midfielder loves. They’re simply a fantastic team to watch.”
A Clear Template
With a two-year contract, Carrick is implementing this vision. Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, £50million Andrey Santos, and £35million Youri Tielemans fit the mold, and the quartet could be strengthened before the transfer window closes. They still trail PSG's midfield, but the template for Carrick's dream United midfield is evident.
