Former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur star Danny Murphy has proposed a drastic change that Michael Carrick must consider in an effort to fix Manchester United.
Woes persist
United’s woeful start to the Premier League continued on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
Bryan Mbeumo’s 73rd-minute strike was cancelled out in stoppage time by Dominic Solanke, who got the better of Lisandro Martinez to head home.
In yet another game, United were unable to get the job done against 10 men. The Red Devils were handed the numerical advantage after Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off for headbutting Luke Shaw.
United have now managed just six points from as many games this term, as pressure mounts on Carrick and his coaching staff. A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United have no immediate plans to replace Carrick. However, this faith is sure to be tested if United do not deliver against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
Speaking on BBC Match of the Day, Murphy suggested that Carrick should perhaps drop a forward player for extra presence in midfield, to help close the huge gaps being exploited by rival teams.
Drastic solution
Murphy said, “There was a lethargy about Manchester United. This midfield can’t control games. It’s partly tactical, partly personnel, it’s not just about the two central boys, they need some help, but these are two technically gifted players who want to be on the ball going forward.”
“The central midfielders aren’t close enough to the centre-halves. You could argue the centre-halves are experienced players, they should be talking to the lads in front of them to get them back in there, but they should also be asking the wide boys to tuck in when they’re under pressure.”
He added, “I don’t understand it, really, because we saw at the end of last season Manchester United were much more organised, much more difficult to play against.”
“Tielemans, Mainoo, they’re not able to do the yards on the big pitches against a three-man midfield. You can’t have gaps that big in the Premier League, with the quality there is in attacking players.”
“The space is incredible and if they were playing against a more confident, competent side today they would have been beaten comfortably.”
“They’ve got to get back to basics, being harder to beat, close the distances. Maybe drop a forward player into midfield to create a more solid three. If they play like that against good teams they’re going to get cut right open because that’s impossible.”
Gary Neville also opined that the midfield partnership of Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans is not fit for purpose in the Premier League.
Featured image by Carl Recine via Getty Images
