Michael Carrick continued to implement his tactical approach during Manchester United’s victory over Leeds United.
Since taking over as head coach, Michael Carrick ripped up Ruben Amorim’s tactical plans and started to put his own stamp on the squad.
United reverted to a 4-2-3-1 formation under Carrick and adopted a counter-attacking style of play. But this summer, Carrick evidently wants more control, and that was visible in the 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Leeds.
In Ireland, United dominated possession against Leeds, and there were certain patterns of play that taught us more about what Carrick wants to see from his squad.
Everyone is breaking through the lines
When United signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans this summer, it was to add more quality to the midfield department, especially in terms of their line-breaking passes.
Against Leeds, Tielemans passed into the final third nine times in just 29 minutes, but it was clear that breaking through the lines is an instruction that has been given to the entire squad.
The likes of Leny Yoro and Diogo Dalot were much more confident in their passing, looking forward at every opportunity and taking risks in possession to fire passes through to midfield.
Less dribbling, more passing
As a player, Carrick was an elite passer and an underrated creator from midfield.
It appears Carrick’s strength in passing has rubbed off on the rest of the squad, and players are dribbling less as a result.
No Man United player attempted more than two dribbles. Toby Collyer and Noussair Mazraoui were the only two players to complete two dribbles against Leeds.
United are becoming a pass-first team under Carrick.
Amad Diallo has become a creative weapon
Last season, the responsibility to create chances fell to Bruno Fernandes, who broke the Premier League assist record with 21 in 2025/26.
But that responsibility will be shared around next season with Tielemans expected to carry some of the weight.
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Amad Diallo is another player to keep an eye on when it comes to creativity. No player on the pitch created more chances than Amad’s three against Leeds.
In just 39 touches, Amad carved out three chances for teammates and managed three shots of his own. He is certainly excelling in Carrick’s system.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/qUtJRPn