Michael Carrick’s handling of Noussair Mazraoui in recent weeks should be the potential blueprint for his approach to one forgotten Manchester United star.
The Red Devils have only three Premier League matches left under Michael Carrick, who secured Champions League football for Manchester United on Sunday.
United legend Carrick watched on from the Old Trafford dugout as the Red Devils sealed a huge 3-2 Premier League win over rivals Liverpool at the weekend.
Noussair Mazraoui might have been an unused substitute in Man Utd’s encounter with Liverpool, but he has featured regularly under Carrick in recent weeks.
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Move over, Noussair Mazraoui, it’s now Joshua Zirkzee’s time to have a chance under Michael Carrick
Joshua Zirkzee had a late cameo for Manchester United in the 3-2 victory over Liverpool and reminded Red Devils supporters of his ability on the pitch.
United fans on social media, especially X, were quick to praise Joshua Zirkzee for a late pass that he pulled off from a Luke Shaw throw-in inside the Red Devils’ half.
Zirkzee confidently chested the ball before whipping a sensational sideways pass to an unmarked Amad Diallo, who launched a United counterattack in injury time.
Diogo Dalot would blaze his strike well off target after Amad Diallo’s pass in the final third, but the build-up from Zirkzee was a reminder of his creative input at times.
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Joshua Zirkzee should now have his chance under Michael Carrick after Man Utd secured Champions League football
Out-of-favour striker Joshua Zirkzee has been limited to only a few minutes in his last three Premier League matches under Man Utd interim boss Michael Carrick.
However, Zirkzee’s brief cameo was a reminder of what he can offer for the Red Devils if he had more minutes on the pitch, especially for his link-up play.
United’s win over Liverpool was more difficult than it needed to be after Amad Diallo made an immediate mistake after coming on before Senne Lammens’ howler.
With Champions League football secured for next season, Carrick should experiment with Zirkzee’s role in United’s final three Premier League matches now.
Noussair Mazraoui proved an effective makeshift centre-back when he was needed, but Zirkzee could prove a valuable substitute option if the ‘right’ role can be nailed.
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