Michael Carrick's second spell as Manchester United manager has begun impressively, with the team securing a derby victory over Manchester City last weekend. Now, Carrick's side faces Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday, aiming to climb into the top four. United currently sit fifth, and a win combined with a Liverpool defeat would see them leapfrog their rivals.
Carrick, who is in charge until a permanent successor is appointed, has already implemented significant changes at the club. According to reports, he has shortened training sessions while increasing their intensity to improve match preparation. The squad has reacted positively, with a refreshed mood around the club. Carrick's assistant Steve Holland, along with Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans, have joined the coaching staff.
Previous manager Ruben Amorim had prohibited three practices: using international breaks as holidays, eating in the dressing room on matchdays, and over-complicating instructions. It is unclear if Carrick has maintained these rules. Amorim's tenure ultimately failed, with the squad never adapting to his 3-4-3 formation.
Former manager Erik ten Hag also enforced strict regulations. He imposed heavy fines for players leaking dressing room details, dropped players for lateness regardless of status, banned alcohol during match weeks, required identical chefs for all meals, and introduced personalised dietary programmes with monthly BMI monitoring. Ten Hag was dismissed in October 2024 after a poor start to the season.
