sports

Are Manchester United returning to relevance under Michael Carrick?

In a mailbag edition of his newsletter, Jonathan Wilson answers questions about Michael Carrick, VAR and the Premier League’s new teams

Are Manchester United returning to relevance under Michael Carrick?

TL;DR

  • Michael Carrick's interim success at Manchester United was significant but also awkward for the board, as replicating results in a full season with European football presents a greater challenge.
  • Manchester United's squad could be improved with new signings in defense, midfield, and possibly a left-back and central defender; Marcus Rashford's return could add dynamism.
  • Carrick's ability to handle a heavier fixture load and the club's psychological state are key questions for Manchester United's future success.
  • FIFA's VAR changes, including reviewing attacking fouls and second yellow cards, are partially adopted by the Premier League, which is also implementing rules against time-wasting such as faster substitutions and longer treatment stoppages.
  • The Premier League's resistance to some VAR changes is noted, while automated offsides and stricter enforcement of grappling are anticipated to improve the game's spectacle.
  • Newly promoted Premier League teams Coventry, Ipswich, and Hull face a difficult fight for survival, with Sunderland and Leeds' previous successes offering some hope.
  • Ipswich and Coventry are seen as having better chances of staying up than Hull, with Ipswich making intriguing signings but losing their promotion-winning manager.