It was never in doubt that Manchester United would improve their performances by playing to the team's strength following the appointment of Micheal Carrick as interim manager. Yet, nobody would have predicted that they beat both City at Old Trafford 2-0 and next beat Arsenal away 2-3 in their first two games. Then go on an unbeaten run of seven games while their direct opponents Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs have one of their worst seasons; these two factors combined to push Manchester United into top three in English Premier League table, which is in Champions' League places for next season.
Carrick reverted to 4-2-3-1. Reinstated Kobbie Mainoo into the starting XI to play alongside Casemiro. Most 20-year-old's would have capitulated when asked to play after being frozen out for half the season and then face Rodri, Silva, Foden, Rice, Zubimendi. That's the character of Mainoo. Brought back the experience of Harry Maguire in defence thus relieving the pressure on young duo Lenny Yorro and Ayden Heaven. Effective use of Benjamin Sesko has produced 9 goals mainly as a substitute. Did suffer injuries to in-form Patrick Dorgu and Lisandro Martinez.
Defeats to Newcastle and Leeds exposed underlying truths. Limited options in midfield, no wide players to play through the wings having sold Garnacho and loaning Rashford, lack of physicality to withstand sustained pressure, no backup in fullback positions. In late January it was announced that Casemiro will leave United at the end of season, and this month the club announced extension of Harry Maguire by another two years. Although Maguire could not become the best defender in Premier League his experience over the next two years will be crucial from squad depth perspective.
United are also evaluating candidates to be their next full-time manager from next season. Carrick will enhance his chances by securing Champions' League spot by finishing in top five at the end of this season. It's the year of summer World Cup that has impacted the availability of candidates. Favourites like Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel have extended their contracts with national teams thus ruling them out. Luis Enrique looks set to extend his contract with PSG. That's top three options gone. Julian Nagelsmann, Unai Emery, Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner are the others. Director of recruitment Christopher Vivell is thought to favour fellow-German Nagelsmann, who at 38 has 10 years' experience of managment already.
This period has also put focus on failings of Carrick at Boro. Critics point out that performances tailed-off after promising start that made Boro reach the play-offs and then never scale such heights again. Boro finished 4th, 8th and 10th in his final season which was summarized by Boro supporter Dana Malt as "Injuries struck again and, from January, Boro became a chore to watch. Ineffective, boring and one-dimensional. Carrick did not have the answers." Can Carrick develop new techniques and adapt as he has arguably the best number two in Premier League in Steve Holland under him and Technical Director Jason Wilcox above. Will he heed, adapt and continue to evolve as a manager?
Carrick is very good communicator and his press conferences are straight and simple, no over-explanation, not over-emotional like Amorim. He must have analysed Solskjaer's failings in final season and his own at Boro as he is methodical by nature. United need this summer transfer market to be a success just like last summer of Cunha, Mbeumo, Sesko, Lammens. That will provide the manager with options which they lack presently. United's next matches are against Chelsea, Brentford, Liverpool, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest, Brighton. United may need 10-11 points from these to ensure a spot in top five. Have clubs figured United out? Won't be easy.
Manchester United reached another FA Youth Cup final and will face City on 9th May. It's a record 16th time for United and the likes of JJ Gabriel, Chido Obi may become first team regulars in the future.
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