The task is almost completed for Michael Carrick, but his own reaction is not happy at all. The Manchester United coach believes that the team should not celebrate too much about about winning a ticket to the UEFA Champions League. For a calm person like Carrick, that is not surprising. However, in this situation, that achievement may help him be given the opportunity to lead for a long time at Old Trafford.
Carrick's statements may also reflect greater ambition than just finishing in the top 5, or simply a reminder that he once belonged to a team that did not consider winning a Champions League spot commendable. Currently, this is a paradoxical achievement.
M.U's current ranking is commendable considering the chaos of last season and the journey from 15th to third place in just 12 months. However, it is also somewhat overshadowed by the advantage that Man United does not have to strain themselves in the European arena.
The Red Devils" started the season with an inappropriate coach, a wrong tactical system and an unreasonable personnel arrangement. That was the reality under Ruben Amorim. Man United missed many opportunities, from using Altay Bayındır in goal, a lackluster performance against Everton even though the opponent was only 10, to dropping points in draws with West Ham, Bournemouth and Wolves. However, those mistakes were not enough to make them lose a Champions League spot.
When Amorim was sacked, Man United was sixth, only three points ahead of 12th place and four points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur. Since Carrick took over, they have led the league table with 29 points after 13 matches - a figure that shows how ineffective the team was before that.
The revival under Carrick helps Man United become stronger, and at the same time proves the correctness in transfer work. Senne Lammens emerged as one of the best signings of the season, turning the goalkeeper position from a weakness to a strength.
The Old Trafford team took a risk by focusing budget on the attack and delaying the rebuilding of the midfield. This gamble was partly successful thanks to the role of Casemiro - who scored 9 goals and played 31 matches in the league. Kobbie Mainoo, who was once overlooked by Amorim, has strongly revived when Carrick gave him a chance, helping the team earn an average of 2.42 points per game when he started.
This allows Man United to invest more heavily in the attack. The total of 44 goals - the lowest in half a century - partly reflects the mistakes under Amorim, especially the removal of Marcus Rashford and the impact on Rasmus Hojlund's performance.
At this time, the 3 strikers worth a total of 200 million pounds did not score too many goals, but all made important contributions. Matheus Cunha scored 8 goals, including decisive goals against Arsenal and Chelsea. Bryan Mbeumo scored 8/9 goals in victories and often opened the scoring. Benjamin Sesko scored 10 goals, including 3 decisive goals, including the goal that sealed the victory against Brentford. Without them, Man United would have lost dozens of points.
The improvement in attack is also thanks to the contribution of Bruno Fernandes. With 19 assists in the Premier League this season, he is only one time behind Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne's records. Notably, he achieved this even though he had to play deep in the first half of the season.
If Fernandes had left last summer, when Al-Hilal approached, this revival might not have happened. His goals and assists brought 32 points - a number that shows irreplaceable importance.
Carrick also made his mark with decisive decisions. Giving back faith to Harry Maguire is an example, while victories against Manchester City and Arsenal helped Man United transform from a top 5 contender to a true competitor.
The club's official goal is to win a ticket to European cups, but the large spending and the decision to fire Amorim show higher ambitions. Almost certainly returning to the Champions League will be symbolic. This season, Man United often has to play on the first day of the week due to absence from Europe. Next season, the "Red Devils" will be able to return to their familiar pace on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which are their stage.
