Everton’s new signing details how Michael Carrick’s masterclass in midfield positioning transformed his game, offering a blueprint for Manchester United’s tactical evolution under the former Middlesbrough boss.
Do you wish Man Utd signed Hayden Hackney?
When Michael Carrick took over Manchester United on an interim basis last season, the Red Devils were one of the best sides in the league based on points won in that period.
Alongside that, the club was playing football more in line with the "United DNA", which was sorely missing under former manager Ruben Amorim. Given that he was only interim at the time, the style of play was different from what Carrick had shown at Middlesbrough.
Since becoming the permanent manager, both in pre-season and during the campaign, there has been a clear stylistic shift, with an emphasis on being stronger in possession rather than relying solely on transitions. This is more in line with his Middlesbrough system.
However, as of yet, this new system has faced serious challenges with teams easily playing through the side, with this international break potentially vital for the coaching staff to overcome these recent obstacles.
Hackney raves about Middlesbrough
During Carrick's tenure at Middlesbrough, Hayden Hackney was arguably not only one of his best players but also the most important player in his system. The midfielder's ability was evident to all, as he won Middlesbrough's Young Player of the Year award in the 2022/23 season.
The Englishman also played 109 times under Carrick, which is the most of any player the Manchester United manager has managed so far in his career. He is also an example of how, as a coach, Carrick can improve players to adapt to the demands of being a midfielder in the modern age.
Hackney signed for Everton in the summer despite links to United, but has recently raved about how much Carrick helped him improve during their time together.
The Englishman said in an interview with The Athletic: “I can’t thank him enough, really.
"We would do unit work and he was always with the midfielders. It was just different things that I would never have thought of: positioning, knowing when to jump and stuff."
Carrick will improve the midfield
Right now, the system does have glaring faults, with a lack of physicality, teams able to exploit wide areas against Manchester United, and issues with the forward line. However, one thing you cannot deny is that the two midfielders have been some of our best players.
Especially in the case of Youri Tielemans, who has shown a different side to his game so far at United. His range of passing, vision, and IQ has been at the forefront of any positives this season. However, the difference he has shown is that, unlike what was said about him in the summer, he does offer physicality and defensive nous.
Then there is Kobbie Mainoo, who, both this season and last season under Carrick, has continued to go from strength to strength, and his abilities seem to complement Tielemans despite previous doubts about whether they could play together.
Carlos Baleba is certainly a diamond in the rough, but under Carrick, it is exciting to see if he can bring out a new side of Baleba and return him to his best form at Brighton, which first caught the attention of United.
