Manchester United’s 13-day hiatus is drawing to a close, giving Michael Carrick a golden opportunity to refine his “Blueprints for Success” before Monday’s high-stakes trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to face Everton.
While Carrick’s interim tenure has been near-perfect—with four wins and a dramatic draw at West Ham—the extra time at Carrington has allowed the boss to identify three critical priorities on his to-do list.
1. Cracking the “Low Block” Code
United’s recent 1-1 draw at the London Stadium was a wake-up call. For the first time under Carrick, the team struggled to break down a stubborn, deep-lying defense. While David Moyes’ Everton are unlikely to sit back entirely at home, Carrick knows he must find a way to dominate possession more effectively.
United need a “Plan B” for when opponents park the bus, ensuring that the dominance seen against Spurs and Arsenal becomes the standard, not the exception.
2. The Benjamin Sesko Dilemma
The biggest selection headache for Carrick is undoubtedly Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian striker has been in scintillating form, netting five goals since Amorim’s departure—most notably the 96th-minute equalizer against West Ham.
Despite his heroics, Sesko has largely been used as an “impact sub.” With a full week of training ahead, Carrick must decide: is it time to hand Sesko a starting spot, or is his clinical finishing better utilized against tired legs? Rotation has been rare under Carrick, but Sesko’s form is becoming impossible to ignore.
3. Resolving the Defensive Injury Crisis
The final priority is the treatment room. While Harry Maguire has returned to training after a minor niggle, all eyes are on Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutchman has been sidelined since late 2024, and his absence is starting to be felt despite the solid partnership of Maguire and Lisandro Martinez.
“Matthijs is moving in the right direction,” Carrick noted before the break. If De Ligt is deemed fit for the Everton clash, it would provide a massive boost to a backline that will be tested by Everton’s physicality. Meanwhile, Patrick Dorgu remains out, leaving a gap in the wide areas that Carrick must continue to bridge.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
