Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has offered a glowing assessment of interim manager Michael Carrick's influence, pinpointing a crucial difference since the coach took over from Ruben Amorim. Carrick has steered the club to four consecutive victories, including a recent 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, solidifying their fourth-place position in the Premier League.
Carrick's Immediate Impact at Old Trafford
Since assuming the interim role in January, Michael Carrick has overseen a remarkable turnaround at Manchester United. The team has secured wins against formidable opponents such as Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham, and Tottenham, reigniting confidence within the squad. This resurgence comes after a period of uncertainty under previous management.
Shaw's Insight into the Changing Room Atmosphere
Luke Shaw described the dressing room as "really happy" following the triumph over Spurs. He elaborated on the transformative effect Carrick has had, emphasising the manager's deep understanding of the club's culture and requirements for success. "He's made lots of differences," Shaw told talkSPORT. "But for me, the biggest one is he knows the club, and he knows exactly what's needed to win football matches, to make everyone happy and to enjoy what we're doing."
Shaw highlighted Carrick's pedigree as a former United player, noting that this experience equips him to extract the best from the team. "He's, of course, won a lot when he was here as a player. So he understands the club, and I think that's the biggest thing for me. He knows how to get the best out of the players, and he's really doing that."
Building Team Unity and Momentum
The defender underscored the importance of collective effort and morale under Carrick's leadership. "The culture is extremely important, and day in, day out, how we are as a team, how the mentality is, how the focus is," Shaw added. "How we push each other day in day out, that's one thing Carrick has brought it, and I think everyone's just really enjoying themselves at the moment."
Shaw pointed to visible signs of togetherness, such as celebrations involving both on-pitch players and substitutes. "You see how important not just the starting 11 are, it's the ones that are coming off the bench as well, making an impact. Even when we score in the celebrations, it's not just the players on the pitch. It's the ones on the bench that are running around and celebrating, too. And I think that shows a real togetherness."
Contrast with Previous Management
Shaw's comments starkly contrast with the atmosphere during Ruben Amorim's tenure, suggesting a significant shift in team dynamics. The defender believes this renewed cohesion translates directly to on-field performance. "And I think when we're together like that, it's a real strong bond, and we go out on the pitch and we all fight for each other and everyone's really together, and of course it always helps."
Looking Ahead for Manchester United
With Carrick's contract set to expire at the season's end, Shaw's endorsement, alongside similar praise from captain Bruno Fernandes, strengthens the interim manager's case for a permanent appointment. The team's current form, marked by high confidence and unity, positions them well for the remainder of the Premier League campaign. As Shaw concluded, "Of course, winning football matches is always going to make everyone feel better, and the confidence is at a real high. We can't take our foot off the pedal. We just have to keep going and keep pushing each other."
