Michael Carrick, set to become the interim head coach of Manchester United, faces a significant challenge as he seeks to overcome tactical rigidity that may have contributed to his dismissal from Middlesbrough. Carrick’s tenure at the club ended after a lacklustre season where Middlesbrough finished 10th in the Championship. His unwavering commitment to a possession-based style of play raised concerns among club officials, leading to an extensive review of the season.
Despite a strong start, which saw Middlesbrough rise from 21st to fourth place after Carrick took over in October 2022, the team’s performance declined sharply. The club reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals but struggled in the league, ultimately finishing eighth in the 2023-24 season. Following a disappointing playoff semi-final against Coventry City, the board, led by owner Steve Gibson, reluctantly decided to part ways with Carrick in June 2024.
During his time at Middlesbrough, Carrick’s tactical approach garnered both praise and criticism. His insistence on a patient, pass-and-move philosophy initially inspired confidence among players and fans alike. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the development of players such as Emmanuel Latte Lath, who was sold to Atalanta for a club-record £22.5 million, and Hayden Hackney, whose value surged to £25 million under Carrick’s guidance.
Despite these successes, Carrick’s reluctance to adapt his tactics drew scrutiny. Injuries to key players in the defensive and goalkeeping positions further hampered the team’s performance. While Carrick’s net spending before Latte Lath’s departure was relatively low at £8 million, teams with less financial backing, such as Sunderland, consistently outperformed Middlesbrough in the league.
Sunderland’s rise, led by manager Régi Le Bris, posed difficult questions for Carrick. Le Bris’s adaptable game strategy highlighted Carrick’s struggles to modify his approach during matches. In contrast, Sunderland achieved success with a more fluid style, leaving Carrick’s methods appearing predictable. His inability to make effective in-game adjustments became a recurring theme, as echoed by other managers in the league.
While Carrick’s integrity and commitment to community work were widely acknowledged, his media interactions often lacked the openness that fans craved. Some critics suggested that Middlesbrough’s overly cautious approach made them predictable and vulnerable. Carrick’s style, characterized by a preference for maintaining possession, was seen as a double-edged sword, contributing to both his initial success and eventual downfall.
As Carrick embarks on this new chapter with Manchester United, he carries the lessons learned from his time at Middlesbrough. The transition from a position of relative comfort to the high-pressure environment of a club with United’s storied history will test his adaptability. The former England international must now balance his coaching philosophy with the demands of a team that has aspirations of competing for top honours.
In a sport where tactical flexibility can make all the difference, Carrick’s upcoming role will require him to embrace change. His experience, both as a player and a coach under the likes of José Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjær, will be invaluable. Carrick aims to reignite his coaching career by learning from past experiences and adapting to the evolving landscape of modern football.
