Michael Carrick is back in the Manchester United hot seat as head coach, a role he’s now taken on a second time. This isn’t just a temporary stint either. Carrick’s appointment runs until the end of the 2025/26 season, coming after Ruben Amorim’s departure. He’s already made an immediate impact, kicking off with an impressive 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford. That win gave the club a real shot of confidence, and now attention turns to Sunday’s clash with Arsenal at the Emirates.
A Familiar Face Returns to Old Trafford
Carrick knows Old Trafford well. He’s a former United midfielder, captain, and coach. This marks his return to the managerial position after a brief caretaker spell in 2021, where he oversaw three games. It feels different this time, with a longer commitment from the club.
And it’s clear there’s still a strong bond with his predecessors. Carrick confirmed he’s spoken with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The former manager remains available for advice. “Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ‘there if I need him'”, ESPN reported, showing that mutual respect runs deep at United.
That initial win against Manchester City, the defending champions, was big. It set a positive tone for Carrick’s renewed tenure. Many supporters saw it as a sign of things to come, a fresh start for the club.
From Riverside to Old Trafford: Carrick’s Tactical Blueprint
Before his latest United appointment, Carrick spent nearly three seasons as head coach at Middlesbrough. He took over the Championship club in October 2022 when they were near the relegation zone. He turned things around quickly, guiding them to a fourth-place finish that season, though they lost in the playoff semi-finals.
His second season saw Boro reach the EFL Cup semi-finals for the first time in 20 years. But league form dipped, finishing eighth. A tenth-place finish the next season meant he lost his job. But those years gave him solid managerial experience. He learned a lot about what works for his teams.
Tactically, Coaches’ Voice highlighted Carrick’s preference for a 4-2-3-1 formation, sometimes a 4-4-2. He brought a short-passing style to Middlesbrough. His sides consistently ranked high in the Championship for total passes and passing rate. He likes to dominate central areas, using frequent short bounce passes between the double pivot and centre-backs to manipulate opposition presses.
In the final third, Boro kept that short-passing approach. They aimed for quick combinations, even against tight defenses. His teams ranked high for “deep completions,” passes close to the opposition goal. This shows a patient, probing style to break down opponents, not just lumping balls in. Full-backs often provided width, allowing wingers to narrow and join central attacking combinations.
Defensive Shape and What’s Next for United
Middlesbrough’s defending under Carrick wasn’t about high pressing. They never ranked in the Championship’s top 10 for PPDA. Their challenge intensity was also low in his final season. Instead, they focused on a mid-block, tweaking the 4-2-3-1 shape.
Wingers played a big role defensively, pressing outwards or inwards to create central traps. The aim was to force the ball into congested areas where the double pivot could help suffocate play. If they dropped deeper, it became a 4-4-1-1 or 4-4-2, looking to keep the ball on the sides.
Now, the question is how much of this tactical DNA Carrick brings to United. The Premier League is a different challenge than the Championship. His immediate success against City suggests he’s adapting quickly. The upcoming match against Arsenal will be another big test, especially away from home. It’s a chance to build on that initial momentum. The club needs direction, and Carrick stepping up again seems to offer just that.
Soureesh Datta 
Priyanjan Paul 
Ishaan Singh