Sports in 1

By: Poorit “Sports in 1” Lertpaitoonpan

It could be honeymooning phase, but it is not far-fetch for one to propose the idea of hiring Michael Carrick as a full-time head coach of Manchester United. After the Englishman showcase a strong display in the 2-0 win against Manchester City.

It is too soon to make a full judgment after only one game, throughout his young career, Carrick has shown few qualities that may make him perfectly fit for Manchester United job.

1. Attractive Attacking Football

To some, Manchester United is the club known for few things, “attack, attack, attack”.

And during his previous tenure at Middlesbrough, Carrick team has rank 1 in shots, goals, expected goals, successful passes, touches in the opposition box. This while also hold second rank in average possession, which also means that the prefer style of play involve suffocating opposition with relentless attacking persuits.

Most importantly, it’s idea to spread out the offense and to attack akin to the 3-2-4-1 formation with many crosses into the box similar to Ruben Amorim. However, the difference is in the defensive structure, in the game against City, Carrick utilize 4-4-2 defensive structure while having dynamic buildup from tradition 4 at the back or the more modern 3-2 building strategy.

Carrick may be able to thrive with squad he inherits from Ruben Amorim, as the attacking could be in similar nature, though different from Amorim, who prioritize fluidity and rotation, Carrick is simpler gameplan that could prove beneficial in short term run.

The similarity of playstyle between Amorim and Carrick may prove to be beneficial to INEOS and the fans, who do not have to revamp the entire squad to fit a manager profile, while the fan can enjoy the high-possession base, shot creation style of football.

2. Strong Character

One of the criticisms towards the 44-year-old coach is that he is too stubborn at times, a firm believer in his system. Another similarity between himself and the previous head coach.

However, it is a good thing, in the opinion of the writer.

To his credits, responsibility that Amorim fulfill during his tenure is building character in the dressing room. From the reaction of the players when he left, he is a popular figure, and most player buy-in to his system.

Both young coaches command respect, and a strong character is crucial when trying to build a winning culture within the team. Hence, though it may see as stubbornness at times, it is that strong character showing that can influence and move people.

3. One of Our Own

So far, the discussion seems to be in the way of how Amorim and Carrick are quite similar in nature, in their tactics and their character. However, Carrick have a certain advantage that Amorim does not.

That is, he used to play for United.

It is this nature of being fan favorite, the team darling, and the respected captain that bring Manchester United through joyous and turbulence time, that allow for two things that most managers didn’t receive during their time at Old Trafford: time and patience.

Amorim stats and records in this season has shown improvement, especially in attacking. However, refusal of bolster the squad severe the tie between him and the boards. While with the fan, it is divided between those who willing to give him time, and those whose patience ran out after the disastrous first season.

With Carrick at the helm, the fan will be more patience as he uses to serve under the team. With this relationship, it may be harder for the board to part ways, as they also seeking approval and is building relationship with the fans, something that some are not willing to.

Conclusion

It is still too early to determine whether or not Michael Carrick is the right man to bring Manchester United back to the glory days, as many brilliant head coach before him failed to complete that objective.

However, with attacking style of football, strong mindset, and being one of the fan favorites, it is not otherworldly to assume regarding the possibility of Michael Carrick changing his job title from “interim” to “permanent”.

Ultimately, it is up to his performance, with 16 more matches to go.

References

Michael Carrick: Is he the right fit for Manchester United? – BBC Sport
Possession, Confidence and Four at the Back: What Will Michael Carrick Bring to Man Utd? | Opta Analyst
Why Michael Carrick’s Tactics Can Improve Man United