1

Manchester United have enjoyed a spectacular turnaround in fortune following Michael Carrick’s arrival as Ruben Amorim’s replacement at the Theatre of Dreams. The Red Devils parted ways with the Portuguese head coach after the 1-1 draw against Leeds United at the start of this year.

After Darren Fletcher’s two-game interim spell, Carrick took charge at Old Trafford as caretaker manager until the end of the season. The Englishman managed to galvanise a squad that had been reeling from Amorim’s stormy 14-month reign.

In his first game, he outfoxed Pep Guardiola, inspiring United to a 2-0 home win over Manchester City. Carrick followed that up with a spectacular 3-2 win over league leaders Arsenal on their backyard, helping the Red Devils climb to fourth in the Premier League table.

Last weekend, the Englishman made it three wins in as many games in charge after picking up three hard-fought points against Fulham at Old Trafford, courtesy of a 3-2 win.

Optimism running high at Old Trafford

Amorim’s departure marked the end of the disastrous 3-4-3 system that the Portuguese attempted to implement at Old Trafford without success. Fletcher immediately switched to a back four but failed...