Michael Carrick's Journey as Manchester United Manager: A Tale of Resilience and Strategic Risk-Taking
The Unforeseen Challenge of Manchester United's Season
The early exits from domestic cup competitions and the smallest season games-wise since 1914-15 have presented Manchester United with a unique challenge. The remainder of their campaign is now divided into blocks, with a longer-than-usual spell without a game. This is the first such block for Michael Carrick, who was appointed on January 13th.
A Refresh and a Reflection
For Carrick, this period provides an opportunity for his squad to "refresh" and for players to "clean up their niggles and strains." It's also a time for reflection. Despite the draw at West Ham, which ended their four-match winning run, Carrick acknowledged the overall assessment of the last month has to be positive.
"In the grand scheme of things, we take the point, dust ourselves down a little bit and assess it," he said. "If you take it over a five-game period, to just have one draw in there is a big positive."
The Initial Victory and the Challenges Ahead
Carrick's initial victories over title challengers Manchester City and Arsenal were unexpected. The wins against Fulham and Tottenham were anticipated but did not arrive without problems. Combined with the failings of Chelsea and Liverpool, United now sit fourth, with a handy but not pivotal advantage in the hunt for a Champions League return.
"We know how hard it is to put a run together in this league," said Carrick, whose side are now unbeaten in nine league games, spanning three managers. "Sometimes it comes naturally, it flows and everything clicks. You look really dangerous and there's a spark. Sometimes it's a little bit stodgy."
The Question of Consistency
The question being asked of Carrick is whether his side can deliver winning performances against opposition they are expected to beat. Many felt West Ham were in that category, even though Nuno Espirito Santo's side were aiming for their fourth win in five league games and had led Chelsea 2-0 in the one that got away.
Taking Risks and Making a Difference
Carrick did not manage a victory, but he did take a risk to try and get something from a game that appeared lost. When Manchester United drew against West Ham at Old Trafford in December, Amorim's only substitution involving an offensive player was Mason Mount for Joshua Zirkzee, 12 minutes from time. At London Stadium, Carrick gambled, introducing Zirkzee for full-back Diogo Dalot eight minutes from time.
The Reward of Risk-Taking
Carrick switched to a back three and pushed men forward, knowing there was a chance of conceding a second. It didn't happen, thanks to two superb saving tackles from another substitute, Leny Yoro, and a Senne Lammens save. As the clock ticked past five minutes of injury-time, Carrick's side still had a chance, and Sesko's brilliant finish ensured they did not head home empty-handed.
"It's always worth it to try and get something out of the game," said Carrick of his substitution. "We all want the perfect kind of performance, to be the best we can be. Sometimes it doesn't quite happen, but it doesn't mean you give up. Obviously we went for it, with three at the back and the rest all attacking basically to try and find that goal. That's the way we should do it."
An Attitude from the Sir Alex Ferguson Playbook
It's an attitude straight out of the Sir Alex Ferguson playbook. He was always prepared to gamble in order to get a desired outcome and felt it was why he enjoyed so many late successes in his stellar career. An 87th-minute winner against Arsenal, a 90th-minute winner against Fulham, and now a 95th-minute equaliser against West Ham.
A Positive Start and a Spirit of Resilience
Carrick is pleased with 13 points out of 15 from his first block of games. As he regroups before the next run of three matches, he will be just as delighted at the spirit and never-say-die attitude that helped to get them.
