There is no special trick to the interim manager’s early success, just a commitment to sound and sensible thinking
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hat must Ruben Amorim make of it? Maybe that 3-4-2-1 might not be the answer for this Manchester United team? Perish the thought. The club’s recently sacked manager was clear that not even the pope would make him change – presumably because Leo XIV is also a big fan of three centre-halves. Saying that, Amorim did come close to losing his religion towards the bitter end, however brief and unconvincing his dalliance with a back four was. He reverted to a three for his final game at Leeds in early January.
As the dust settles on Michael Carrick’s second thrilling win as the United interim manager in two matches, the last-gasp triumph at Arsenal following the home win against Manchester City, it is a moment, first and foremost, for the club’s supporters to savour.
The bedlam in the away enclosure at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday after Matheus Cunha’s 87th-minute winner made all of those present feel lighter. Ditto the celebrations upon the full-time whistle. The songs for Carrick. For Casemiro, too, who was once again excellent in midfield. Even Sir Jim Ratcliffe looked ready to accept an invitation for a post-match interview before pulling back and pointing at the smile on his face. “This is all you need to know,” was the gist from the minority owner.
