Although there is a list of Manchester United players showing improved form since Michael Carrick became head coach in January, Harry Maguire has singled out one ‘magnificent’ teammate who has impressed in the previous four matches.
The mood is high at Old Trafford as Manchester United look to make it five wins in as many games since Michael Carrick was hired as head coach.
Carrick has instantly got results as United’s 2-0 win over Tottenham saw the team record their longest win streak of the season, having never won four matches in a row under Ruben Amorim.
In his first four matches after returning to United, Carrick hasn’t rotated his squad too much by opting to stick with the same back four, midfield and attack, apart from replacing the injured Patrick Dorgu with Matheus Cunha.
Which front four should Michael Carrick pick vs West Ham?
The back four looks settled in front of Senne Lammens with Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw.
That leads us to the biggest improvement in the team under Carrick: the midfield. Casemiro has been joined by Kobbie Mainoo, with Bruno Fernandes pushed further forward into his preferred No.10 role.
Bryan Mbeumo has led the attack while being supported by Amad Diallo and Cunha in the wide positions.
Harry Maguire hails Casemiro improvement under Michael Carrick
As mentioned already in this article, the biggest improvement on the pitch under Carrick has been seen in midfield – and there are fewer complaints about the defence and attack.
The biggest reasons for that include stepping away from a back-three system with wing-backs and bringing Mainoo back into the team.
Mainoo, 20, has complemented Casemiro wonderfully in the middle of the pitch to a point that United fans will be hoping they can continue to form a partnership until the end of the season.
This will be Casemiro’s final season at Old Trafford, but his recent improvements have led to praise from Maguire.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Maguire said: “I always say, as a footballer, if the structure is good you can perform, and you can look a good player but the structure’s got to be good around you, and I think with Case as well I think we we’ve seen over the last couple of games when the structure’s good around Case he’s still a magnificent central midfielder.”
Prove us wrong… Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes are the best midfield trio in the Premier League
There is not another trio we would swap them for!
Casemiro has benefited from United playing just one game per week, but the game against West Ham comes just three days after the crucial win over Tottenham. The former Real Madrid star will be aiming for another influential display to help guide United to qualify for the Champions League.
Casemiro reaches a century of Premier League appearances
The Brazil international reached 100 Premier League appearances for United in a dominant display over 10-man Tottenham.
Despite being on the receiving end of a horrible challenge that saw Tottenham captain Cristian Romero given a straight red card, Casemiro got back up and performed at a high level like a warrior.
Casemiro is expected to make his 101st Premier League appearance when United travel to West Ham on Tuesday night.
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