Carrick's first two games as United's head coach are a difficult challenge, against the two best teams in the league at present, Manchester City and Arsenal. At Middlesbrough, Carrick was reluctant to change his system, looking to dominate the game through high possession. The most significant tweak was in how his United side nullified Tuchel's Chelsea with a 4-3-1-2 defensive shape that blocked the centre of the pitch. Speaking on Match of the Day earlier this season, Carrick said that his rationale was to stop all access to Tuchel's midfield two because their progression was typically through the middle. To ensure United kept three in midfield when McTominay or Fred pressed, the other two midfielders would shift over and the far-side attacker would drop in.

Source: BBC January 16, 2026 13:31 UTC