Michael Carrick suffered his first defeat as Manchester United manager this week. The Red Devils lost 2-1 to Newcastle United at St James’ Park, failing to score at least a point for the first time in their spell at the club under caretaker manager.
It was a lackluster performance from United, but it may have highlighted the team’s lack of quality. The introduction of Manuel Ugarte and Tyrrell Malasia was perhaps an indicator of the quality, or lack thereof, of the team as a whole.
But strangely, after Joshua Zirkzee’s memorable cameo as Number 10, the strong depth of the role became apparent.
Assessing Carrick’s options in attacking midfield
After making a lively cameo against Crystal Palace at the weekend, Zirkzee produced another 15 brilliant minutes against the Magpies. He may only be available for a moment at the moment, but his impact is definitely felt.
On Wednesday night, he completed 100 per cent of his dribbles, created a chance and made a great save from Aaron Ramsdale with a dipping shot from range.
A silky player, Zirksee has always displayed this sharp touch against Palace, making him a highly effective No. 10.
The technically talented Dutchman is not the only No. 10 option for Carrick. Matheus Cunha can also play centrally, as he did under coach Ruben Amorim in the first half of the season.
Of course, the first choice for the role is Bruno Fernandes. This season, he has become a constant presence in the team, scoring 7 goals and providing 14 assists in just 26 games in the Premier League.
But with players like Zirkzee and Cunha, Carrick certainly has plenty of options.
But that could spell bad news for United’s other senior player.
United star who may struggle to fit into the team
Fernandes is certain to start as United’s number 10, but it’s good that Carrick has options. Indeed, both Zirksee and Cunha are more than suitable as replacements should the captain need a break.
Unfortunately, that could mean United and England star Mason Mount falls further down the pecking order. Despite his obvious talent, the 27-year-old has had his career at Old Trafford blighted by injuries.
Mount, a product of Chelsea’s academy, has played just 66 games for the Red Devils since his £60m move from Stamford Bridge in 2023.
Incredibly, he has missed almost as many games due to injury, 58 at the same time.
It’s certainly a shame for Old Trafford fans that the No. 7 hasn’t played more in the famous red shirt. When fully fit, his quality shines through, with his goal from the halfway line in last season’s Europa League a prime example.
But perhaps the Portsmouth-born attacker isn’t good enough to make a £60m move worthwhile.
Under Carrick, he played just one minute in the Manchester derby in January, and during the interim period last season he played just nine minutes under Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Mount record by Manchester United manager | ||
|---|---|---|
manager | Not likely. of the game | Number of actual number games (minutes) |
eric ten hag | 66 | 25 (982) |
Ruud van Nistelrooy | 4 | 1 (9) |
Ruben Amorim | 63 | 37 (1571) |
Darren Fletcher | 2 | 2 (92) |
michael carrick | 8 | 1(1) |
Transfermarkt statistics | ||
It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season goes for Mount. It’s clear he’s still a talented player, but he’s had a lot of injuries lately and it’s difficult to see if he’ll be able to have a consistent place in the team once he recovers from his current issues.
It’s easy to argue that Fernandes is already ahead of him and that Zirksee and Cunha have also jumped him in the pecking order.
Mount will be desperate to revive his Old Trafford career, but it’s anyone’s guess how many games he will be able to play again, if at all.
Carrick upgrade: ‘Europe’s youngest coach’ wants to join Manchester United
After Carrick’s first defeat, the news came at a good time that one of the most talented coaches in football wanted the Man United job.
