Michael Carrick has created a significant impression at Manchester United since filling the gap left by Ruben Amorim’s departure – and he hasn’t hesitated to dismantle his predecessor’s framework. Amorim was sacked following a controversial press conference and Carrick was appointed eight days later, with United having also considered Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The former midfielder has delivered four victories and one draw across his opening five Premier League fixtures in charge, fundamentally altering the atmosphere at the club.

Should United overcome Everton on Monday evening, they’ll climb to fourth place, establishing a two-point advantage over Chelsea and Liverpool, strengthening their prospects of securing Champions League qualification for next season. Carrick swiftly abandoned Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, opting instead for a more straightforward 4-2-3-1, whilst also bringing Kobbie Mainoo back from the cold after his marginalisation under the previous boss. United have shown marked improvement defensively and offensively, defeating Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham before claiming a point at West Ham.

The 44-year-old has positioned himself as a contender for the permanent position this summer, when chief executive Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox and part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will determine the club’s future direction.

Should Carrick maintain his winning streak whilst keeping morale high, he stands a strong chance of landing the role permanently, with his achievements partly stemming from implementing wholesale changes.

Carrick has remained faithful to his own coaching philosophy on the training pitch, altering the methods employed by Amorim’s backroom team.

According to the Daily Mail, he has modified four logistical elements as well, drawing upon his playing career to ensure arrangements work more effectively.

He swiftly reduced training session durations to increase their intensity. The impact was immediate, with Wayne Rooney revealing that Carrick opted to conclude training early before the 3-2 victory over Arsenal in January due to the exceptional quality on display, not wanting to dilute it by carrying on.

“He wanted to bottle it up and make sure they had that performance for the game the following day,” Rooney said on Match of the Day at the time.

Carrick has also adjusted the matchday routine, instructing players to arrive 15 minutes later for both home and away fixtures. Squad members now turn up one hour and 45 minutes before kick-off at Old Trafford and visiting stadiums.

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The other significant departure from Amorim’s methods is Carrick’s preference for speaking with players straight after matches to deliver his assessment.

This approach has proved popular, as the interim manager is seen as grounded and accessible, in contrast to the more distant Amorim.

He has also implemented compulsory rest days directly after fixtures. This decision has proved especially popular amongst the squad, allowing them additional time with family members who’ve travelled to visit.

Harry Maguire recently highlighted the enhancements Carrick has brought to the side.

“Loads more urgency – and not just from the defenders, from the midfielders and the wide men getting back in and the striker protecting the edge of the box,” he told TNT Sports.

“It’s so important that we do it as a team and we’ve got to make sure we get the spaces right and that we’re compact all over the pitch. Michael will bring that.”

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