Why Michael Carrick is the one-step solution to Manchester United’s woes
Manchester United have started the current season in a disastrous manner. For the first time since the 1992/93 season, the Red Devils have lost two out of their first three games in the Premier League.
More than the defeats itself, it is the manner of the defeats that should be a major concern for United. The team continues to look like a bunch of fatigued and uninspired players who are playing aimlessly with no hunger or desire to compete at the highest level.
The current team under Jose Mourinho clearly lacks the motivation to overcome the odds. Going down after a valiant fight is something the team and the fans can take heart from but United seem to have made a habit of throwing in the towel even before the match ends.
Let us forget about overcoming the odds. United certainly have an accomplished squad of players when compared to a team like Brighton. Even though they somehow managed to win against Leicester City, their performance was far from convincing. It was a lucky day at the office for Mourinho and company but the team ran out of luck in the next two games.
The 3-0 humiliation against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford ensured criticism would be coming thick and fast for Jose Mourinho. The manager had previously come under scrutiny for his tactics last season but that was largely overshadowed by the fact that United finished second in the Premier League.
Mourinho’s conventional, rigid and defensive style of play has not done United any good. The Red Devils do not lack the finances but it all depends on how the manager convinces players to join the club. To that end, Mourinho has failed to make optimum use of United’s financial resources and did little to bring in significant reinforcements. From lack of initiative in the transfer market to deploying players in the wrong positions – everything he has done at United has backfired.
In contrast, Michael Carrick was the last footballer of Sir Alex Ferguson’s golden era to hang up his boots. After announcing his retirement last season, the veteran midfielder joined the first-team coaching staff and currently serves as Mourinho’s assistant.
And should Mourinho step down, is Carrick the right choice to lead the club?
Carrick served as a player for 12 years at Old Trafford after joining United from Spurs back in 2006. Not only was he a kingpin for the club in Ferguson’s era but he was also a true leader. Having been there at the club for such a long period of time, Carrick should have a concrete idea regarding the setup and the way the club functions. Being a pivotal part of the Ferguson era, he must be aware of what works for Manchester United and he could try to replicate them to turn the club’s fortunes around.
Although United have a different set of players now, it won’t be impossible for Carrick to implement his ideology. After all, it was not the big transfers that brought success to United in the past. The Red Devils had a strong foundation supported partly by the players rising to the senior level from the youth academy and partly by subtle transfer moves for mediocre transfer fees.
Players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and many more were bought for small sums of money and yet, they went on to shine under the stewardship of a dedicated manager. Ryan Giggs was a product of the Manchester United youth academy who inspired a generation.
Even though Carrick does not have any professional experience as a manager, it won’t be too difficult for him to take over as United’s because he will be working under a familiar set-up. And barring a few, he has played with most of the players in the current team.
Given that he was the captain before he retired, he should have a good command over the team. There can be nothing better for a manager and Carrick is probably the quick one-step solution to United’s current woes.
