Michael Carrick Rips Up Strict Rule Ruben Amorim Had for Man Utd Players

Michael Carrick has made a key change behind the scenes at Manchester United as he looks to maintain the positive atmosphere in his squad.

Carrick, 44, has made the best possible start as interim head coach after replacing Ruben Amorim, who was sacked in January after just 14 months in charge.

Former United midfielder Carrick, who previously took charge of the team on a temporary basis in 2021, has won all three of his matches since replacing Amorim last month.

After beating rivals Manchester City 2-0, Carrick guided United to an unexpected 3-2 win away at league leaders Arsenal. He kept that winning run going with a dramatic 3-2 victory at home to Fulham on Sunday and will hope to maintain his perfect record when United host Spurs at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Carrick has clearly had a positive impact on the squad and a key rule change could be the reason for his popularity with his players.

Carrick has impressed since taking charge at United (Image: Getty)

The Sun report that United's squad have now been allocated a day off the day after every match they play.

This is a significant change, with former head coaches Erik ten Hag and Amorim both typically insisting on recovery days after games.

Carrick has opted to allow United players free time after matches, with recovery sessions taking place the day the players report back at Carrington.

He has also shortened the length of training days but increased the intensity, with a greater focus on individual work with specific players in the United squad.

In addition to the changes to the training schedule, United players also arrive later for matches - having typically arrived as early as four hours before a game under Ten Hag.

Carrick's changes have had an immediate impact and have boosted calls for the former Middlesbrough boss to get the job on a permanent basis.

Carrick has kept tight-lipped about his future and is keen to avoid speculation as he looks to guide United back to the Champions League.

"We're realistic about where we are at the moment, why I'm here," said the former ­midfielder.

The former Middlesbrough boss has been placed in charge until the end of the season (Image: Getty)

"That doesn't change how we go about it in the day-to-day and the focus and making decisions for the long term.

"All I can control is what we give the players and how we create the atmosphere around the group. We'll see what happens after that."

Several United players have spoken about the positive impact Carrick has made including Lisandro Martinez, who described the former England international as "unbelievable".

In a TikTok video for Stan Sport Football, Martinez said: "In short time, for me, as I said already, I'm impressed with him, about his body language, his energy, his communication as well.

"The staff as well, very close to the player, the way he trusts the players. The way he talks, the way he connects with each other. It's unbelievable."

Should Carrick extend his winning run to four matches against Spurs on Saturday, calls will surely grow for him to be giving the job permanently.