Four powerful lessons Man United have already learned under Michael Carrick
Manchester United have not tasted defeat since Michael Carrick returned as interim head coach, sparking an immediate revival at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have won four of their last five matches, including statement victories over league heavyweights Manchester City and Arsenal.
That remarkable turnaround did not go unnoticed, with Carrick deservedly clinching the Premier League Manager of the Month award for January.
Amorim was wrong about Mainoo
Former head coach Ruben Amorim made a costly blunder by overlooking Kobbie Mainoo.
The 20-year-old did not start even once in the Premier League this season under his leadership.
Carrick has restored faith in the academy graduate and Mainoo has repaid it with a string of assured, mature performances.
He has shown that he deserves to start every game and also has the quality to make the England squad for the World Cup.
Versatile formations
Carrick wasted no time in abandoning the rigid back-three system upon his arrival.
United have operated in a fluid 4-2-3-1 shape in possession, seamlessly transitioning into a disciplined 4-4-2 without the ball.
Against deep-lying sides such as Fulham and West Ham United, the system has even morphed into an aggressive 3-2-5.
In those moments, Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez have formed a temporary defensive trio, freeing Luke Shaw to push higher and influence attacking phases.
Freedom to attack
Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko have added freshness and directness to the attack.
The Red Devils have shown massive improvement in the final third this campaign.
However, there is a clear difference between how these players operate in the final third under Amorim and Carrick.
Under the Portuguese coach, the attack functioned within a strict, mechanical framework.
Under Carrick, the forwards have been granted the freedom to improvise, rotate and take risks.
That added unpredictability has transformed United from predictable to genuinely dangerous.
Transfer priorities are clear
Carrick has tasted success but it should not mask the deeper structural issues within the squad.
United still lack a natural winger capable of stretching defences and using raw pace to dismantle compact low blocks.
The quality and consistency of deliveries from wide areas must also improve if the team is to maximise its central attacking threats.
A midfield refresh is equally urgent, particularly with Casemiro expected to depart at the end of the season.
Securing two elite midfielders should be a primary objective this summer if United are serious about sustaining progress.
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .