Carrick has had a flying start as Manchester United’s interim manager, where they are now in the top four in the Premier League and qualification for the Champions League.
Michael Carrick has made a key change behind the scenes at Manchester United, as he tries to maintain the positive mood in his squad.
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Carrick (44) has had the best possible start as interim manager after replacing Rúben Amorim, who was sacked in January after just 14 months in charge. The former United midfielder, who was previously in charge of the team on an interim basis in 2021, has certainly had a positive impact on the squad, and a key rule change could be a reason for his popularity among his players.
Sky Sports reports that United’s squad has now been allocated a day off the day after every game they play.
This is a significant change, as former head coaches Erik ten Hag and Amorim both typically insisted on post-match recovery days.
Carrick has chosen to give United players time off after matches, with recovery sessions taking place on the day the players report back at Carrington.
He has also shortened the length of training days, but increased the intensity, with a greater focus on individual work with specific players in the United squad.
In addition to the changes to the training schedule, United players also arrive later for games – as they typically arrived as early as four hours before a game under Ten Hag.
Carrick’s changes have had an immediate effect and have increased calls for the former Middlesbrough boss to get the job on a permanent basis.
Carrick has kept quiet about his future and is keen to avoid speculation as he tries to lead United back to the Champions League.
“We are realistic about where we are at the moment, why I am here,” said the former midfielder.
“It doesn’t change how we go about our day-to-day business, our focus, and making decisions for the long term.”
“All I can control is what we give the players and how we create the atmosphere around the group. We’ll see what happens after that.”
Several United players have spoken about the positive impact Carrick has had, including Lisandro Martínez, who described the former England international as “incredible”.
In a TikTok video for Stan Sport Football, Martínez said: “In a short time, for me, as I have already said, I am impressed with him, about his body language, his energy, his communication as well.”
“The coaching staff as well, very close to the player, the way he trusts the players. The way he talks, the way he connects with each other. It’s incredible.”
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