The ongoing international break might be Michael Carrick’s last chance to make major changes to his tactics and line-up as Manchester United head coach.
The Red Devils sit 12th in the Premier League table, with Tottenham Hotspur the only “Big Six” club underperforming more.
The North London giants will travel to Manchester after the break in hopes of registering their first league win of the season. Should that happen, United will be level on points with Spurs, who are currently in the relegation zone.
Furthermore, Carrick would have little time to steady the ship, as three days after the league clash, United are scheduled to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Back-to-back frustrating results against two high-profile opponents would mount serious pressure on Carrick, paving the way for an untenable situation and inevitable decision that United’s hierarchy are all too familiar with.
However, the scenario is still a big if, and Carrick still has time and quality options at his disposal to turn the tide.
Two of United’s biggest issues across the first seven games have been their lack of intensity in and out of possession, and their feeble backline, which crumbles under the slightest pressure.
Why Carlos Baleba must start for Manchester United
Carlos Baleba was part of Manchester United’s matchday squad to face Fulham, but he is still waiting for his debut, having arrived from Brighton with an ankle ligament injury.
Carrick resisted bringing Baleba off the bench against Fulham, who outran and outmuscled the Red Devils at Craven Cottage. He might consider handing the Cameroonian limited minutes off the bench after the international break to ease him in.
However, Baleba has the profile to make a huge difference, and Carrick does not have the luxury to integrate him slowly. There is a reason why United agreed to spend £70 million to land the 22-year-old despite an underwhelming season at Brighton.
According to the Manchester Evening News, United’s data department were still “huge advocates of Baleba by the end of last season. While others doubted he was ready for a move, they noted he was in the top one per cent for second balls won in the Premier League and the top eight per cent for combined tackles and interceptions.”
United are now blessed with midfielders who are excellent in possession, but they desperately need someone who can eat up ground.
Not only can Baleba inject energy into the middle of the park with his front-foot defending, but he is also capable of quickly turning defence into attack through brilliant close control and powerful dribbling.
It is understood the Cameroonian has settled in well at Carrington and reported to the club’s training facility for individual sessions while the majority of United’s players were given last week off. These sessions and an opportunity to work with Carrick during the international break should allow him to hit the ground running in October.
Matthijs de Ligt is answer to Manchester United’s defensive woes
Matthijs de Ligt is yet to make his first appearance under Carrick, having been sidelined with a back issue since November last year.
However, Carrick confirmed early this month that the Dutchman is training well. He even travelled to the capital but did not feature against Fulham.
De Ligt’s return will be like a new signing for the Red Devils. The 27-year-old played every minute of United’s first 13 league games last term before the injury setback. During that period, he was arguably Ruben Amorim’s best player.
Before his injury, the 6’2″ behemoth led the way for aerial duels won and interceptions among defenders at the club. United are crying out for a calm head at the back to stabilise and organise their leaky defence, and this is where De Ligt is ahead of his teammates, including Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire.
The Netherlands international’s most valuable trait is his leadership. He captained Ajax at 18 and played for Juventus and Bayern Munich before moving to Old Trafford. He could be to Carrick what Raphael Varane was to Erik ten Hag.
The responsibility now falls on Carrick to be bold with his team selection, drop some big names, start both Baleba and De Ligt from the outset, and take both the intensity and physicality of United up a notch.
Featured image Alex Pantling via Getty Images
