The dramatic resurgence of Manchester United under Michael Carrick has not only revived the club’s Champions League hopes but also cast a harsh light on the tenure of Ruben Amorim. According to Gary Neville, the sacked Portuguese manager will be watching from home, forced to reassess his “stubborn” methods after Carrick’s tactical masterclass.
Since taking the reins as interim head coach, Carrick has steered United to an incredible five wins and one draw in six games, including high-profile victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham.
The Carrick Revolution: Simple but Effective
While Amorim remained wedded to his complex 3-4-2-1 formation, Carrick has found success by returning to basics. By implementing a more balanced 4-2-3-1, the interim boss has unlocked the squad’s potential in ways his predecessor could not.
Key changes that have transformed the team:
- The Return of Kobbie Mainoo: After being inexplicably sidelined by Amorim, Mainoo has been restored to the starting XI alongside Casemiro. Neville noted, “Kobbie looks back to his best; he looks like a football player who can handle the ball again.”
- Training Intensity: Carrick has condensed training sessions to increase tempo while adjusting logistical timings to improve player focus.
- Tactical Composure: Unlike Amorim’s rigid system, Carrick’s approach has allowed the players more freedom, leading to a more “competent” defensive and offensive display.
A Lesson for Amorim’s Future
Ruben Amorim’s 14-month stint ended with a disappointing win rate, claiming victory in just 24 of his 63 matches. Neville believes the Portuguese coach must now reflect on his lack of flexibility.
“Ruben must be sitting there thinking, ‘What will I do differently in the future?'” Neville told Sky Sports. “Maybe he was being a bit too stubborn and not making the changes the players actually wanted.”
With United now sitting in fourth place, just three points behind Aston Villa, the momentum is firmly with Carrick as they prepare for crucial upcoming fixtures against Crystal Palace and Newcastle.
Comparison: Amorim vs. Carrick (Feb 2026)
| Manager | Preferred System | Win % (Last 6 Games) | Key Player Choice |
| Ruben Amorim | 3-4-2-1 | 16.6% (1 win) | Sidelined Mainoo |
| Michael Carrick | 4-2-3-1 | 83.3% (5 wins) | Mainoo/Casemiro Pivot |
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
