Michael Carrick has taken over at Manchester United and his new training regime has already been put in place, with players impressed by the level of detail and intensity
Michael Carrick has already made changes at Manchester United(Image: Matt West/Shutterstock)
Michael Carrick has promptly implemented a fresh approach at Manchester United, putting increased focus on personalised work with individual players during training sessions. The former Reds midfielder replaced caretaker Darren Fletcher and guided the team to a 2-0 Manchester derby triumph against Manchester City in his opening match in charge over the weekend.
Following that victory, his stance was clear and straightforward: “It’s really important we don’t get carried away,” Carrick stated. “It’s one game. That level of performance needs to be a version of normal.”
Intent on restoring the club to its glory days, Carrick has reportedly made it evident from his opening session that training would now be briefer yet more demanding, according to the Daily Mail. The reaction from players is understood to have been encouraging, with it being ‘immediately clear’ from the inaugural session that a different atmosphere had emerged on the training ground.
The squad was introduced to the new coaching setup, comprising Steve Holland – who joined as Carrick’s assistant – alongside Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans as first-team coaches. There is believed to be an excellent combination of expertise and characters within the staff, with a ‘positive dynamic’ already beginning to take shape.
Training has also emphasised greater personalised attention for individual players, with the squad reportedly impressed by the thoroughness of the approach.
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Lisandro Martinez has already expressed his enthusiasm to be working with Carrick after being impressed during the early stages. “Different mentality, different guy. So different,” he said.
“He sent us the that message that he played here for a long, long time. He won everything. He is a big legend.
“He wants to help the club and I think we were in a tough situation, and today was the best moment to change that.
Man United will look to build on their win against Man City(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
“When you have a coach like Michael Carrick, who really knows, who really can share with you the energy of the club and what it means, it’s so different.
“He was quiet (in training). He was smiling. He was really confident – and that helps a lot.”
In recent weeks, mounting frustration has emerged amongst United’s squad regarding the personal tone of certain criticism from ex-players, especially given the team’s performances and the recent change in management.
Nevertheless, senior squad members are understood to have intervened and encouraged the younger contingent not to allow it to impact them.
Turning attention to their upcoming challenge, United return to Premier League duty against title-contending Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday (25 January, 4.30pm).