Short-term gain for long-term pain. That seems to be the motto driving Manchester United since the Glazer takeover in 2005. While Sir Alex Ferguson managed to paper over the cracks until his retirement in 2013, the issues have been laid bare post his retirement. For those fans who were hoping that the new football structure, led by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, would turn things around, the signs so far are not optimistic—though, admittedly, it may be too early in the process to judge Sir Jim and co.
After a series of strange-looking decisions in the Erik ten Hag–Ruben Amorim cycle, the club is now on the verge of writing off the 2025–26 season. Having been knocked out of both domestic cups, the season now rests entirely on securing a high league finish. That is not as unlikely as it sounds, as only the current top three have shown any sort of consistency, and with a run of good results, United could sneak into the top four. However, the start of Michael Carrick’s tenure as interim—and the beginning of yet another short-term project at the club—is as tough as it can be: Manchester City and Arsenal back-to-back. If United lose both games, mounting pressure could weigh heavily on the squad, causing the top-four challenge to lose steam.
Therefore, getting results against City and Arsenal is not a luxury for United, despite the size of the task. It is essential to keep fragile morale up and attempt to salvage the season. Carrick, the man undertaking this "mission impossible", is competent enough to ensure United put up a fight. So, what will United look like with the former captain on the touchline?
During his only full-time managerial stint, Carrick took over Middlesbrough with the club near the Championship relegation zone during the 2022–23 season. He took them all the way to fourth that season with a controlled but attacking brand of football. He finished eighth the next season and guided the club to a League Cup semi-final. In 2024–25, the club dropped to tenth and the hierarchy decided to part ways with him in June 2025; Boro currently sit comfortably in second place.
Despite how his time at the Teesside club ended, he showed enough signs that he may go on to become a decent manager who can play entertaining football. On coming back to United, he has promised exciting football, although that may have to wait until after the matches against City and Arsenal.
It is widely assumed that Carrick will go with his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation. But, as a result of United's summer clear-out, they have no natural left-winger. Both Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu can play in that role. United are said to be attempting to bring in a left-winger in January, but even if that happens, Cunha is likely to be the first choice in that position. That means the left-back will have to provide the width. Luke Shaw at his best was apt for the role, but it will be tough for him now. Dorgu can do it but is not yet consistent enough. However, a combination of starting Shaw for his ability and then bringing Dorgu on for his athleticism seems to be Carrick’s best option at left-back.
Against City, conventional wisdom suggests that he will need his two best defensive-minded midfielders—Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte—in the middle. But Carrick is also determined to get the best out of Kobbie Mainoo. So, it would not be a massive surprise if the young Englishman gets the nod ahead of either Casemiro or Ugarte. Mainoo’s performance in a narrow midfield in the 2024 FA Cup final win against City may work in his favour. Bruno Fernandes, who has played in a deeper role for most of this season, would also drop back when his side are not in possession to make a 4-5-1.
Carrick could also go with a striker-less 4-3-1-2, with Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo forming the front two. That would allow him to get Mainoo in without sacrificing a defensive midfielder. But the narrow system would also add to the load on the full-backs.
No matter what system Carrick employs, the number 10 position will be key. Also, given that Amad Diallo has been one of the team’s best players this season, he will find his way into the team at some stage. If that happens, Mbeumo could move to the striker position, with Amad on the right and Cunha on the left.
That is likely to be Carrick’s best starting front three for this season, with Benjamin Sesko being a regular sub or coming into the starting XI for specific game plans. In midfield, Fernandes will likely have a chokehold on the number 10 position. Behind him, Mainoo could see more game time with one of Casemiro or Ugarte. In defence, the best right-back is Mazraoui, but until he comes back from AFCON, an underwhelming Diogo Dalot may have to continue. Leny Yoro is another makeshift option, but he has looked uncomfortable defensively in wide areas.
Centre-back is where United have the most depth. With Matthijs de Ligt out, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez could be the best picks against City. Both have neutralised Erling Haaland in the past, and Maguire is unlikely to be exposed for pace given that Carrick does not insist on a high line. Ayden Heaven has been impressive in recent weeks and will almost certainly get game time as a rotation option.