Restoring identity. Manchester United fans always expect the direct attacking football that became a trademark under Alex Ferguson. Michael Carrick, who played under the legendary Scottish manager, is gradually guiding the team back to that path.

Compared to the 20 matches under former head coach Ruben Amorim this season, Carrick's first five games have seen Manchester United almost double the number of direct attacks, increase quick counter-attacks by 50% per match, and complete an average of 21 more passes into the final third every 90 minutes.

As a result, the "Red Devils" have created more clear-cut opportunities, had more shots on target, and won possession higher up the pitch an average of 8,4 times per match, compared to 7,2 under Amorim.

These changes have helped restore some of the atmosphere at Old Trafford, evidenced by three home victories against Manchester City, Fulham, and Tottenham, and have resulted in an unbeaten streak since Carrick took charge.

Returning Fernandes to the number 10 role. One of the key adjustments that has made Manchester United's play more fluid is how Carrick has maximized the abilities of captain Bruno Fernandes.

Immediately after taking over the team, Carrick moved the Portuguese midfielder from a fixed deep role in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system, pushing him to play directly behind the striker and granting him more creative freedom.

"Bruno can create moments of difference. He is intelligent, and that freedom suits him very well because Bruno has an innate footballing mind", Carrick told TNT Sports alongside former midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

Carrick also reduced defensive demands on Fernandes, leaving most of the interception responsibilities to Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo. "I understand Bruno's skills and strengths. He is creative, so let him be creative in suitable positions", the English coach added.

This tactical adjustment yielded immediate results. Fernandes contributed to five goals in Carrick's first five matches, including one goal in the win against Tottenham and four assists.

Restoring faith in Mainoo. Another significant difference from Ruben Amorim's approach is Carrick's decision to bring Kobbie Mainoo back into the starting lineup—a move that has proven effective on multiple fronts.

Under Amorim, Mainoo had no starts this season. However, the 20-year-old midfielder has started all five matches since Carrick took charge.

His return not only met fan expectations but also reconnected the first team with the club's renowned academy, while enhancing midfield control and ball circulation. Mainoo has also become a crucial starting point for Manchester United's high-speed counter-attacks.

"We are not placing all the burden on Kobbie. He is doing very well, and I believe he will continue to do so", Carrick told the club's official website. "We want more players to develop through the academy system and feature in the first team. For me, there is nothing better than giving opportunities to young players. Kobbie has seized his chance in the past few weeks, and I believe he will maintain that".

Experimenting with Mbeumo as a central striker. One surprising adjustment by Carrick was using specialist winger Bryan Mbeumo in a central striker role for the first three matches.

Explaining this decision, Carrick stated that Mbeumo possesses a goal-scoring instinct and intelligent movement, while also highlighting his effective partnership with Bruno Fernandes.

The English coach also flexibly deployed Mbeumo on the left, utilizing the positional interchange and versatility of Manchester United's attack.

After five matches under Carrick, Mbeumo has scored three goals and provided one assist—two goals came while playing as a central striker, and the remaining one goal and one assist were from operating on the wing.

A solid defensive foundation. Manchester United's committed attacking style is built upon a more robust defensive foundation under Michael Carrick.

Harry Maguire was reinstated as a starter in all five of Carrick's matches, having been out of favor under Ruben Amorim. The English center-back has played a crucial role in improving the organization and stability of the defense.

Manchester United now concede an average of one goal per match under Carrick, compared to 1,5 goals per match previously. The team also faces fewer shots, thereby reducing their expected goals conceded (xGC).

Speaking on TNT Sports before the match against West Ham, Maguire stated that defending inside the penalty area is the most evident improvement. "We used to not defend the box well enough. Every time the ball entered the penalty area, opponents had a chance. But in the three recent matches, the entire team has been more resolute", he said. "It's not just the defenders, but also the midfielders, wingers tracking back, and even the strikers participating in protecting the edge of the penalty area".

Hong Duy (according to Premier League)

Photos: Reuters, Visionhaus, Football365