Michael Carrick only has 14 games left to contend with this season, but Manchester United’s midfield remains perilously hollow, and the academy will have to provide solutions.
This season is somehow already heading into the final third for Manchester United, and Michael Carrick is pushing for Champions League football.
The recent form has seen United win three in a row, most recently overcoming Fulham 3-2. But despite Champions League qualification looking so possible, Ineos haven’t helped Carrick with January reinforcements.
As a result, Carrick will be looking to his academy, particularly in midfield.
Tyler Fletcher was involved last week, but now, one loanee’s return could make him the logical next man up behind the current senior trio.
Jack Moorhouse could be midfield option for Michael Carrick
On transfer deadline day, Manchester United recalled Jack Moorhouse from Leyton Orient after they signed Dylan Levitt which effectively replaced the youngster.
Moorhouse was then immediately in first-team training under Michael Carrick, shaping up as an option in the midfield department.
It has been suggested that Moorhouse replaced the addition Carrick didn’t get on deadline day, and in an ideal world, United would be able to use the 20-year-old potentially as a Kobbie Mainoo alternative.
This is because Moorhouse has elite Paul Pogba-esque ball-carrying, while also having the engine that could make him a great number eight for the club.
Despite commonly being viewed as an attacking midfielder, at Orient this season Moorhouse was more of an eight or even a six at times.
He thrived in these deeper roles, particularly in really good displays against Peterborough and Villa U21, with his dribbling from deep used to progress play, like he did in the academy for United.
Moorhouse is ready to be unleashed by Carrick at Manchester United
While he was only on loan at a League One level, Moorhouse really impressed during this time, with several good performances for Orient.
So his return came as quite a surprise and might have been to add some further options in midfield for Carrick to see out this season.
Moorhouse won’t be starting games, but we can’t see a reason why he can’t be trusted from the bench to see out games or chase results given his ability to relieve pressure with his runs and high work rate.
Ruben Amorim had picked Moorhouse out as an academy star last season, but now it could be Carrick who ends up giving the young midfielder his first chance for United.
It remains to be seen whether he will be ahead of the Fletcher twins in the pecking order, but based on age and experience, he may very well be.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/J3T7vzF