The Tactics Show: What Went Wrong and How Carrick Can Fix It

#1063 | Manchester United have given Michael Carrick more time, with no date, no number of games and no target attached. Ed and Dharnish look at what has to change in the meantime. The press comes first: a half-press in which players arrive late, leaving United’s back-four exposed. The build-up has lost its triangles and possession dominance that offers no control. 

United’s defence is disorganised and the most experienced centre-backs are built for a deep line, which limits how aggressively Carrick’s team can press. 

Then there’s a look ahead to Chelsea at the weekend, a team that scores freely but with a questionable defence. And ahead to the midweek game against Roma’. Gasperini’s team likes to press man-to-man. The verdict is that not all of United’s problems is tactical, but the rest is out of Carrick’s hands.

0:00 Intro: Carrick gets more time

4:08 What’s gone wrong with the pressing

8:32 How Carrick could fix the press

14:19 Buildup and central progression

18:13 Defensive frailties and the rest defence

21:33 Meltdown mode and managerial patience

23:51 Platforming players: picking the XI

27:26 Chelsea preview

30:52 Roma and Aston Villa