However, the tactic was not met with universal approval, with Liverpool manager Arne Slott among those criticizing the change at the highest level. The Red Devils’ set-piece threat has diminished since the Englishman replaced Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
Under the Portuguese head coach, he scored 13 goals from dead-ball scenarios, with limited open-play attacking potential.
Only Arsenal have scored more set-piece goals than United (18), with five of United’s shots being successful under Carrick, but the danger per game has decreased given they attempt far fewer attacks under the former Middlesbrough manager.
Diogo Dalot was entrusted with long throws under Amorim and produced 13 attempts, but has collected just one since Carrick took over. As teams in the Premier League employ long throws to secure advantage, United are bucking a pattern that has frustrated opponents’ slot managers.
Speaking about set-pieces, Slott said: “When I look at other leagues, I don’t think there’s as much emphasis on set-pieces. In the Eredivisie, when I see goals disallowed or fouls given to the goalkeeper, I think, “Wow, that’s a big difference.”
“Here, it almost hits the goalkeeper in the face and the referee still says ‘play on’. Do I like that? My heart as a former player doesn’t like that. “This is not the Barcelona team of 10, 15 years ago. I looked forward to watching them play every Sunday.
“Most of the games I watch in the Premier League are not fun for me, but they are interesting because they are very competitive.”
Liverpool had their worst set-piece defense in the opening stages of the season, losing to Amorim’s United after Harry Maguire’s header from a free-kick.
Under Carrick, United’s fortunes changed forever as they rose from outside the top four to firmly in contention for Champions League qualification.
The Red Devils are one of the clubs who seem destined to secure a return to Europe’s elite competition, with Liverpool and Chelsea currently outside the top four.
The 44-year-old won seven of his opening 10 games as United’s interim manager, losing just one.
