A cagey World Cup final finished 1-0 in favour of Spain, and Man Utd learned two things from the game as Michael Carrick’s stock rose.
From Man Utd’s direct perspective, Lisandro Martinez’s injury is something to worry about, as the defender came off in the first half.
For Martinez to ask to be subbed in a World Cup final, the diagnosis is probably not too good, but that’s not the only notable thing.
United learned two things holistically from the game, and one shows that Michael Carrick deserves more respect.
Lisandro Martinez suffered another injury in the World Cup Final – Should he be part of Man Utd’s plans for 2026/27?
Is Martinez's talent worth putting up with the constant injuries?
1- Rodri shows Man Utd’s midfield revamp is not over
Man Utd have signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for their midfield so far, both of whom are astute signings, adding a variety of skills to the team.
However, Rodri bossing the game against Argentina in the final showed United are still missing that stardust in the middle.
Elite teams are built on a defensive midfielder who is undroppable, and both Santos and Tielemans are “needs required” players in the current XI.
Neither is a player who can walk into the XI and immediately raise the floor and the ceiling of the team.
It goes without saying that it’s impossible to find another Rodri. There’s a reason why he’s the best in the world.
However, United have been shown that they can’t afford to shrug and compromise on quality for that final third midfielder.
What are Michael Carrick’s three biggest priorities this summer to prepare for 2026/27?🤔
The Manchester United head coach has so much work to do…
2- How Argentina’s story echoes Michael Carrick’s approach
Argentina were the defending champions and have been on a sterling run in the last few years, but there’s something remarkable about them.
Man for man, how many players would get into the Spain XI? Maybe Julian Alvarez plays instead of Mikel Oyarzabal, but that’s it. Maybe an ageing Lionel Messi.
Argentina’s success is a success of a dressing room culture, a team unified behind a common cause, led by a manager who is as good at managing expectations and egos as he is at being a tactical maestro.
Does that remind you of anyone? It’s something that has been used as a stick to beat Michael Carrick with, putting down his achievements to man-management rather than any tactical ideas.
Lionel Scaloni has shown at Argentina that the best thing to do for teams who are scrutinised a lot is to just make it simple and help the players block out the noise. Carrick did exactly that at Old Trafford.
Scaloni has based his success on the same principles and is regarded as a legend in Argentina.
The Manchester United manager must double down on that team spirit for next season.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
