Former England midfielder needs to avoid the same pitfalls as Ruben Amorim, but he showed a dogmatic streak at Boro
In many ways Michael Carrick is the antithesis of Ruben Amorim but Manchester United’s soon-to-be-appointed interim head coach does have something significant in common with his Portuguese predecessor.
Like Amorim, Carrick has proved remarkably resistant to tactical change. So much so that at Middlesbrough the former United and England midfielder’s determination not to compromise a philosophy constructed around a patient, possession-heavy passing game arguably cost him his job.
After Boro finished a disappointing 10th in the Championship last season, the owner, Steve Gibson, and his board instigated an in-depth review of the season. All the indications were that there was a marked reluctance to sack the much-liked and respected Carrick.
It took more than a month until the manager’s dismissal in early June. Even then there were suggestions that a turning point arrived only when, during a series of meetings, Carrick seemed disinclined to alter the team’s style.
