Michael Carrick changed some long-standing traditions at Manchester United (Image: Getty)
Michael Carrick has scrapped Manchester United’s eight previous rules and put his stamp on the team. The manager was handed over the role permanently after being appointed in January and serving as an impressive replacement. Carrick led United to third place in the Premier League table during his spell as interim manager, with 12 wins, four draws and two losses. This guarantees that the club has qualified for the Champions League.
The former captain will be determined to maintain team harmony and prepare for the tests that lie ahead. He has been establishing his own methods at Old Trafford for several months, including the removal of a controversial rule. Express Sport has compiled a list of all the rule changes Carrick has made during his tenure so far.
Training for the next day is canceled
One such rule was the next day training session, which the team under Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag adhered to. Both coaches required players to attend training facilities the day after the match for recovery purposes.
Coach Carrick scrapped this rule and replaced it with a designated rest day within 24 hours after a game. Recovery sessions now take place two days after the match.
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Amorim stressed the importance of improving players’ fitness and banned food and drink from the changing rooms. However, this may have lowered team morale.
Carrick is understood to have abolished that rule by transforming the space into a welcoming environment where players feel valued. Eating was allowed again, and the atmosphere in the dressing room was more relaxed.
Mandatory post-game debriefing
Carrick then introduced a new requirement that all players must remain in the locker room until they felt heard and treated with respect.
Harry Maguire emerged as a leader in that environment and became an important voice for Carrick. Amorim’s tenure was markedly different from previous years, with him reportedly sacking players after games without a word of comment.
This is designed to calm your emotions before speaking or making rash decisions. And the next day, he spoke to the team to get the message across.
Emotions were running high after the game as Carrick and his coaching team addressed the players.
Michael Carrick has been a revelation at Old Trafford so far (Image: Getty)
Amorim was strict about early arrival times before games at Old Trafford. Coach Carrick is currently allowing his players to arrive a little later to refresh their routines.
Due to the team’s first Premier League win against City, the team bus arrived about 15 minutes later than usual. This was a deliberate measure aimed at preventing players from idling inside the stadium before kick-off, while also allowing supporters to already line up and provide a warm welcome.
Shorter, more intense training sessions
Whereas Amorim focused on tactical work and favored long, low-intensity sessions, Carrick shortened training days and significantly increased training intensity.
The changes are understood to have been designed to make it clear that players are expected to perform at their best every day. According to reports, the sessions under Carrick were quite lively and team spirit improved markedly.
An encouraging assistant coach
During Amorim’s time at Old Trafford, the coaching staff reportedly restricted his ability to directly instruct players. Since then, the new manager has introduced a more collaborative approach to tactical coaching and increased trust in his assistants.
Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate were central figures in this change, taking much more hands-on roles during training. United’s players are said to have responded positively to the changes and are open to the new approach.
3-4-3 formation abolished
Under Amorim, a 3-4-3 system was strictly adhered to, with the manager refusing to deviate from his footballing philosophy, even when the available players were clearly better suited to a different formation.
As a result, several players were left on the bench, including academy candidate Koby Mainu. A key element of Carrick’s early success at United was the move to a 4-2-3-1 formation and the return of fan favorite Maynou to the starting line-up.
This approach focuses on a balanced structure in defense and attack, while utilizing quick side play and delivering improved results on the pitch.
Ending the tradition of global tours
This year, United will embark on a pre-season tour much closer to home. In recent campaigns, the club has favored extended trips to the US, Australia and Asia.
But with the World Cup being held across the Atlantic, Carrick broke with the 25-year tradition of playing pre-season matches across Europe. United will play in Norway, Finland, Ireland and Sweden, and will face the likes of PSG, Leeds, Atletico Madrid, Rosenborg and Wrexham.
In contrast, the club toured America in July and August last year, playing against Leeds, Fiorentina, Everton, Bournemouth and West Ham.
