Michael Carrick praises Manchester United's midfield performance v Chelsea
Michael Carrick has praised Manchester United’s trio of midfielders after a hard fought 1-1 draw at Chelsea.
Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic all started the game as the Manchester United caretaker boss looked to make his side more resilient after a run of poor league results.
Carrick also praised United’s front three for their contribution, and insisted he was proud of all his players.
Carrick told United’s official website: “We had a plan, I thought Fred, Scott, Nemanja were terrific, I thought the front three were terrific and I thought the back four defended ever so well when they needed to.”
RONALDO NEEDS TO STOP WHINING.
He also commended Scott McTominay for the way he dropped in and helped the defence out, adding: “We had to drop Scotty in there at times and we had a plan for that.”
Unusual approach
It is not very often Manchester United line up with three defensive midfielders, and this said a lot about the team’s respect for Chelsea, and the team’s recent defensive struggles.
After conceding four goals away at Watford in the last game, a cautious approach was understandable.
United were also without captain Harry Maguire who was suspended, although this did not turn out to be a negative.
The tactics could have backfired if United conceded early, but instead the Red Devils took the lead through Jadon Sancho.
It took a penalty for Chelsea to score an equaliser, with United looking comfortable defensively despite being tested regularly.
This Chelsea side beat Juventus 4-0 at home in midweek, and United made them look ordinary from an attacking perspective.
Fred’s performance earned praise from United fans and could almost have won the game with a late chance.
Carrick added: “Fred, with that interception at the end, pressing high, which is what Fred’s so good at. Just the other bit on the end wasn’t quite there.”
- £69m fee outrageously overpriced and Manchester United must consider alternatives
- Photo: Leaked picture of Manchester United's 2022/23 away kit emerges
- Manchester United wonderkid could be Ten Hag's incredible future Eriksen successor
- Cristiano Ronaldo may have just played a masterstroke over imminent £69m Manchester United move
- 'Principle agreement': Manchester United could solve problem as surprise £10m talks held
- Now Manchester United could sign Erik ten Hag's most reliable player after De Jong move
- Star set to complete Manchester United move once £5m bonus dispute with club is sorted: Report
- Deal close: Manchester United hope to finalise £69m De Jong move by end of the week
- 'Watch Love Island instead': Six worst/funniest reviews left by Manchester United fans on Paul Pogba's documentary
