Jamie Carragher criticises Michael Carrick’s tactics and United’s over‑reliance on Bruno Fernandes

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has questioned Michael Carrick’s tactical set-up since he took over as Manchester United manager.

Although Carrick impressed hugely during his spell as interim manager in the second half of last season, it still looks like a gamble to hire him over some bigger names.

Carrick’s previous managerial experience came in the Championship with Middlesbrough, and though he did quite well there, he ultimately lost his job.

Carragher has questioned whether that experience is sufficient for Carrick to take over at such a big club, especially given the English tactician’s lack of a clearly identifiable tactical philosophy or playing style.

Manchester United remain overly reliant on Bruno Fernandes

Writing in his Telegraph column, Carragher suggested that United under Carrick appear overly simplistic as a counter‑attacking side, while also relying heavily on the individual brilliance of Bruno Fernandes.

“Carrick earned his opportunity based on the old‑fashioned idea that a manager should be judged on results. In terms of football style, we do not yet know where he fits in the modern game,” Carragher said.

“We place managers in boxes based on intensity, preferred formations, or an idea of the game they align themselves to.

“Maresca, Alonso and Iraola have established identities making them easier to categorise. As yet, it is difficult to define Carrick’s football beyond the hope that it will restore the traditional attacking values of Sir Alex Ferguson’s brilliant teams.

“United are a strong counter‑attacking unit. That has been the basis of their best results over the past few years. That approach will be key to further success against City. As a team, they still rely too much on Bruno Fernandes.

We’ll surely learn a bit more about Carrick when United take on City in the Manchester Derby this weekend.

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