Interim coach has had his side keep as many clean sheets in their last four as they had in the last 21
Manchester United are putting in a lot of work on the training ground to improve their defensive game, according to Michael Carrick.
The interim coach has vastly improved the side’s shape and playing style since taking over the reins from Ruben Amorim and results have followed.
United have won four out of four under the 44-year-old and received high praise for it, but a less trumpeted stat is that they have also kept a clean sheet in two out of those four games played. That is as much as they had managed in the last 21 games combined.
The Red Devils defeated Manchester City 2-0, before also beating Tottenham 2-0 last weekend. And while the latter opponents received a red card, it’s worth noting that United had played against two teams who received a red card previously this season and contrived to concede in both games, against Chelsea and Everton.
“It’s pleasing for sure and it’s easier to win games without having to score so many goals every week,” Carrick said after the win against Tottenham. “We do seem to be a team that can cause a lot of problems and create opportunities and score goals, so it’s definitely getting the balance right.
“There’s still things to improve on, it’s definitely something we’ve focused on, trying to be better as a team collectively when we don’t have the ball, but in three or four weeks, you’re not going to fix everything and all of a sudden look perfect.”
“I was sure Michael could be a good manager, and he’s shown it”
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has full faith in head coach Michael Carrick 🤝
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 7, 2026
Of course, one thing that may have helped United as well is the return of their two most experienced, and arguably best, centre-backs Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire. The two have formed a solid, effective partnership and played full time in every game under Carrick so far.
Given the positivity around the club it is difficult not to get carried away, but Carrick has also encouraged his players to enjoy the feeling of winning games.
“You’ve got to enjoy the buzz of winning, that’s what we’re in it for,” said Carrick. “You can’t just be flat-lined all the time. You have to feel the waves of emotion. It would all be a little bit boring and pointless if you didn’t, because winning games is what we all strive for.
“The big challenge is knowing the hard work and preparation that has got you there. Winning a game of football at this level is tough, so you never assume the next one’s just going to be alright.”
