The Red Devils' Tactical Evolution: Unlocking Carrick's Vision and Amorim's Legacy
The stage is set for a tactical revolution at Manchester United. With the departure of Ruben Amorim and the interim appointment of Michael Carrick, the club's strategic direction hangs in the balance. But here's where it gets intriguing: can Carrick build upon Amorim's foundation, or will he chart a new course? This is the final installment of a series analyzing the tactical transformations of the Premier League's 'Big Six'.
In a dramatic Saturday afternoon, Manchester United's Old Trafford witnessed a stunning turnaround as they defeated rivals Manchester City 2-0 in Carrick's debut as interim manager. This result marked a stark contrast to the 14 months under Amorim, who, despite some notable wins, struggled to find consistency.
The victory over City was comprehensive, with United's forwards showcasing improved timing and a more disciplined approach, resulting in three disallowed goals for offside. Defensively, United were solid, conceding only 0.47 expected goals, City's lowest in the Premier League since February 2021.
Amorim's tenure ended with a mixed record, winning just 38.1% of his 63 matches. However, United's form had improved this season, recovering from a disappointing 15th-place finish in 2024-25. The graphic below illustrates their 10-game rolling average for points per game, highlighting a notable upturn in late autumn, marked as 'good form' by The Athletic's Mark Carey.
This positive run included a 2-0 home win against Sunderland and a 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace, earning Amorim the Premier League Manager of the Month award for October. Results fluctuated thereafter, with Amorim's final lineup against Leeds United featuring a makeshift inside forward due to injuries and international commitments. Despite these challenges, United sat sixth, just three points off fourth, with improved expected goal difference per game.
But here's where it gets controversial: Amorim's tactical vision, centered on a 3-4-2-1 formation, never fully clicked with the squad. Carrick, in his first game, made adjustments that seemed more aligned with the players' strengths. The Athletic dissects Amorim's approach, its strengths and weaknesses, and how Carrick has already addressed some of these issues.
Amorim's imprint remains, but his 'English football from the past' philosophy, emphasizing a 3-4-3 or 4-3-3, never materialized. Instead, he employed a 3-4-2-1, aiming to create overloads and fluidity in attack. This led to growing pains, with United losing possession in their own third frequently last season. However, there were signs of improvement this season, with reduced possession losses and a more direct style.
Under Amorim, United prioritized combination play over individual dribbling, resulting in fewer take-on completions. The use of third-man runners and wide combination play became key features, with Mbeumo's arrival from Brentford enhancing their right-sided link-up play. The passing networks under Amorim reveal a consistent shape, with greener connections indicating stronger relationships, particularly on the right.
A key controversy: Amorim's reluctance to trust Kobbie Mainoo, United's only naturally creative central midfielder, was puzzling. Carrick rectified this by restoring Fernandes to his natural No. 10 role, leading to a more balanced and effective midfield. Carrick also simplified the center-backs' roles, focusing on recovery runs rather than risky forward jumps, which had been exploited by opponents.
United's composure when ahead, a weakness under Amorim, was evident in Carrick's first game. They maintained a compact 4-4-2 structure without the ball, disrupted City's build-up through pressing, and showed improved discipline and understanding when leading. Carrick's tactical adjustments seem to address many of United's issues, but the real test lies in consistently backing up landmark victories with solid performances.
As the club navigates this transitional phase, the question remains: will Carrick build upon Amorim's legacy, or forge a new tactical path? The answers will shape United's immediate future and could spark lively debates among fans and pundits alike. What do you think? Is Carrick the right man to lead United forward, or should they seek a new direction?
