Michael Carrick makes Man Utd dressing room change after Ruben Amorim 'kept quiet'
Michael Carrickhas implemented another behind-the-scenes adjustment at Manchester United following his appointment as head coach until the end of the season.
The 44-year-old has enjoyed a strong start to his second spell at Old Trafford, securing victories in his opening three fixtures against Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham. The winning streak has propelled them back into the Premier League's top four, sitting five points adrift of third-placed Aston Villa.
Since returning to United, Carrick has introduced several modifications. On the field, he has adapted Amorim's strict 3-4-3 system and brought Kobbie Mainoo back into the first XI.
Away from the pitch, Carrick has chosen to address his squad after matches, something Amorim rarely did, according to The Athletic. Whilst he reserves the in-depth tactical breakdown for subsequent days, Carrick has made a deliberate effort to engage with his United players in the changing room, with certain feedback given on a one-to-one basis in another move away from the Amorim era.
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This follows reports that Carrick has abandoned Erik ten Hag and Amorim's approach of making United players train the day after fixtures. Carrick has instead introduced mandatory rest days within 24 hours of matches, with recovery work now scheduled to occur two days following the final whistle.
Carrick has chosen to dismantle several of Amorim's approaches whilst introducing his own methods and philosophy. Amorim had decided to prohibit players from taking holidays during international breaks and banned food from being brought into the changing room.
The former Sporting CP manager even prevented his own coaching staff from delivering detailed tactical instructions to his United players.
Carrick has also reduced the length of training sessions but increased the intensity of drills. He has altered the time his squad arrives for fixtures, both when travelling for away matches and home games at Old Trafford.
His modifications have proved effective, with United gaining momentum and appearing well-placed to compete for a Champions League spot. Next up for the Reds is a fixture against Tottenham on Saturday afternoon.
Despite Spurs having failed to win any of their last five Premier League matches, Carrick is anticipating a "big challenge" from Thomas Frank's side. "They certainly bring a challenge," Carrick said.
"The way they finished the game the other day, they've had, over a period, players injured, a lot of changes to the team which makes things more difficult. They're getting players back, they have really good attackers that look to stretch the backline and play forward and attack the box an awful lot.
"A slightly different game to what we've played in recent weeks but we're looking forward to, we are in a good place, the boys have worked well again this week. Feet on the ground, let's not get carried away. It's about what's next. Big challenge ahead."