Owen Hargreaves has hailed Michael Carrick’s impact following a “flawless” start since returning to Manchester United as head coach.
Michael Carrick has lifted the mood at Manchester United.
After being appointed United head coach until the end of the season, Carrick led the team to a four-match win streak before drawing 1-1 against West Ham in London.
Those results mean United are sitting fourth in the Premier League and back in contention to qualify for the Champions League.
The impressive start under Carrick hasn’t gone unnoticed after he was announced as the Premier League Manager of the Month for January.
To gain more momentum, United are looking to get back to winning ways when they travel to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time on Monday night.
It will come as a test because Everton have already beaten United this season, while being reduced to 10-men, before Ruben Amorim was dismissed.
Owen Hargreaves’ analysis of Michael Carrick’s Man Utd revival
United look reborn after securing four wins and a draw under Carrick.
It’s like night and day after Amorim’s 14-month reign, which came to an end at the beginning of January following United’s 1-1 draw against Leeds at Elland Road.
The team is now playing with more confidence following several tweaks to the formation and playing style.
Carrick’s former teammate Owen Hargreaves has been discussing the 44-year-old’s impact since he stepped in as head coach until the end of the season.
Hargreaves said it is ‘mind-blowing’ that Amorim overlooked Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, with the academy graduate now performing at a high level alongside Casemiro against the Premier League’s toughest teams.
“Under Carrick virtually every player is playing a different position except the goalkeeper,” Hargreaves told The Breakdown for TNT Sports.
“Two centre-backs went from playing in a three to a two. The wing backs, now playing as full backs. Went from a midfield two to now playing in a three. Went from having 10’s to wingers.
“Actually, he’s changed the whole team and everybody. It’s not rocket science. Everybody’s in their natural position and they’re performing.
“Put Bruno in as a 10 and let him go create. How Kobbie hasn’t played football in a year is mind-blowing. One of the best young talents in the world of football.
“And for a kid not to play for a year and to come in and play against City and Arsenal and basically run the games is a testament.
“And obviously Carrick knows that position, but I just think Carras right now, he’s been flawless.
“He hasn’t got one thing wrong and I’m just delighted for him because the fans have really suffered and it feels like Old Trafford’s back.
“The fans are happy, but most importantly they’re winning. That’s all this is about is winning. And when you win, it fixes a lot of things.”
Carrick will be aiming to remain unbeaten as well as get back to winning ways against David Moyes’ Everton side on Monday night.
Kobbie Mainoo impact on Man Utd’s midfield
The 20-year-old has been a mainstay in United’s line-up since Carrick returned to the club, and registered two assists.
Mainoo scores highly in multiple metrics since January 17, including successful passes (255), tackles (10) and high pressures applied (263).
United fans have gone from talking about Mainoo leaving on loan to potentially signing a new deal at Old Trafford.
It would be fair to say Carrick is now getting the best out of Mainoo.
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