Michael Carrick has scrapped eight rules that were previously implemented at Manchester United as he stamps his authority on the squad. The boss secured his permanent appointment at Old Trafford following a successful caretaker stint from January.
During his temporary tenure as manager, Carrick recorded 12 wins, four draws and two losses and brought United back up to third in the Premier League table. This means that the team have returned to Champions League football and the former club captain will be focused on keeping all squad members content and ready for the challenge ahead.
He has been implementing his own style at Old Trafford for several months, including scrapping some controversial rules. Here, Mirror Football has listed all the regulations that Carrick has removed during his time so far.
Day-after training scrapped
One such rule was the day-after training that the team followed under Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag. Both managers had required their sides to report to the training facilities the day after a matchday for recovery work. Carrick has scrapped the rule and has instead implemented designated rest days within 24 hours of a game. Recovery sessions now take place two days after a match.
Dressing room food ban
Amorim had banned food from being brought into the dressing room, stressing the crucial nature of developing player's fitness levels. However, this may have dropped player morale in the process. It is understood that Carrick eliminated that rule by turning the area into a safe space where players feel appreciated. Food has been allowed back in and there is more of an informal nature in the dressing room.
Mandatory post-match debriefs
Carrick then brought in a new rule that every star must remain in the dressing room until they believe they have been heard and spoken to in a well-natured manner. Harry Maguire has emerged as a leader in that space and has become a key vocal presence for Carrick. Amorim's reign was a direct contrast as he reportedly sent players home after games without even speaking to them. This was in order to let emotions fade before speaking and making snap decisions. He would then address the squad the day after to get his point across. Now, Carrick and his staff will address the team while post-match emotions are still raw.
Later matchday arrivals
Amorim was strict on early arrival times ahead of fixtures at Old Trafford. Now, Carrick is ensuring his players turn up slightly later to freshen things up. For his opening Premier League win against City, the team bus arrived around 15 minutes later than normal. This was intentional as it stopped the squad from hanging around in the stadium awaiting kick-off and ensured fans were there to give them a raucous arrival.
Shorter, high-intensity training sessions
While Amorim was in charge, training sessions were long and low-intensity, with a greater focus on the tactical side of the game. In contrast, Carrick has shortened the practice days but significantly increased the intensity of the drills. It is said that this change was made to ensure players understood that they had to be at their very best every day. Reports claim that sessions under Carrick are much more energetic and have higher morale.
Uplifting assistant coaches
While the Portuguese boss was at Old Trafford, he reportedly prevented his coaching staff from giving players instructions. Now, the new manager has allowed for a different way for tactical guidance to be given, leaning more on his assistants. Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate are at the heart of this action and give more of a hands-on approach in training. United stars are impressed by this and enjoy the new strategy.
Scrapping 3-4-3 formation
Under Amorim, the 3-4-3 formation was followed to a strict manner by players and he refused to be moved from his philosophy - even when the team at his disposal was better suited to another system. As a result, some players were dropped to the bench, including academy star Kobbie Mainoo. A key part of Carrick's success at United was manoeuvring to a 4-2-3-1 structure and bringing fan favourite Mainoo back into the fold. This utilises fast wing play and focuses more on balanced defending and attacking, leading to greater success on the pitch.
Ending global tour tradition
This year, United will head out on a pre-season tour that is much closer to home. In recent seasons, the club have opted for more long-haul trips to the United States, Australia and Asia. But now, with thanks to the World Cup across the Atlantic, Carrick has broken a 25-year tradition by basing the pre-season games across Europe instead. United will play in Norway, Finland, Ireland and Sweden, facing the likes of PSG, Leeds, Atletico Madrid, Rosenborg and Wrexham. In comparison, the club travelled to the USA throughout July and August last year and played Leeds, Fiorentina, Everton, Bournemouth and West Ham.
