Michael Carrick has been announced as Manchester United’s new interim head coach. (Image: Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has been announced as Manchester United’s interim head coach, with his first game being this Saturday’s high-stakes Manchester derby before taking charge of the club’s final 16 Premier League games. With no domestic cup competitions at hand, the main goal is to secure a spot in next season’s Champions League. United currently sit in seventh place in the Premier League table after 21 games.
Back-to-back draws with Wolves and Burnley mean they are now three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, but just one point behind fifth-placed Brentford. It is thought that United would only strengthen Carrick’s squad if two circumstances were to arise. One is if a long-term target becomes available, and the other is if you need to prevent other clubs from gaining an advantage in signing a player you’re interested in.
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A number of players, particularly midfielders, have been linked with a move to Old Trafford. The midfield position is a top priority, with Adam Wharton, Elliott Anderson and Carlos Baleva reportedly on United’s radar. However, the possibility of a transfer is likely to be postponed until the end of the season.
However, given the stipulated conditions and market opportunities, some transfers may occur during this period. When Carrick takes over, his strongest squad could be strengthened by the addition of two new players.
Senne Lamence is the preferred choice to start between the sticks and that won’t change. Carrick is expected to use a 4-2-3-1 approach at Old Trafford, with Lenny Yolo, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez all potential centre-back options.
However, Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi has opted not to extend his contract and is keen to sign him. The Argentine’s current contract expires in the summer, leaving him free to negotiate a pre-contract with European clubs. This does not rule out United making a move this month, and the risk of losing him for free could force Bournemouth to make a bid.
The 30-year-old centre-back will strengthen United’s defense and fit seamlessly into Carrick’s back four. Luke Shaw and Patrick Dawg will compete for the left-back position, with the former having returned to full fitness and impressing this season. In the right-back line, Nousser Mazraoui’s absence due to AFCON has been noticeable, and Diogo Dalo’s performance has declined.
The midfield axis remains a big issue and Carrick will give each player a fresh start. Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Coby Mainu are natural central midfielders, but there are concerns.
Marcos Senesi will improve Manchester United’s backline (Image: Getty Images)
Casemiro’s presence has left United lacking energy, making Ugarte’s adaptation to England difficult. Mainu will be many’s first choice in midfield, but there are concerns about his partner. The signing of Ruben Neves, thought to be worth around £20 million, will alleviate this problem.
The Al Hilal midfielder, like Senesi, has six months left on his contract with Saudi Arabia and has so far rejected offers to extend his contract. United were interested in Neves even before he left Wolves, and at £20m he would be the ideal midfield upgrade for Carrick.
Carrick boasts a wealth of talent in the attacking third and is United’s strongest position. Captain Bruno Fernandes is certain to take on the number 10 role. That is his best position, and there is no better position.
Brian Mbeumo and Amad are both set to return from AFCON in time for United’s game against Manchester City, and will provide much-needed firepower in the attacking third. Since joining from Brentford in the summer, Mbeumo has scored six goals in the Premier League and has often been United’s most threatening player.
For Amad, his versatility means he can potentially play in several positions. Either Amad or Matheus Cunha will start in the left wing position, but both players have their own strengths and weaknesses, making it a difficult decision for Carrick.
Benjamin Sesco is a strong option at centre-forward after United spent £74m on him in the summer. Despite a difficult first five months in England, the striker still managed to score five goals, including three in his last two games.
Beyond his first-choice eleven, Carrick has a strong bench to rely on. Dorg, Dalot and Yolo all provide defensive solidity when needed, as do Casemiro and Ugarte.
In the attacking department, both Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount have proven their ability to make an impact when needed, while Shea Lacey’s rise adds some sparkle that fans crave.
United’s strongest eleven (4-2-3-1) led by Michael Carrick: Lamence. Mazraoui, De Ligt, Senesi, Shaw. Neves, Mainu. Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha. Sesco.
