What must Michael Carrick fix at Manchester United as he begins managerial reign?

It may be a new year, but it is the same old problems for Manchester United as they embark on yet another managerial era at Old Trafford. 

In October, Sir Jim Ratcliffe stated that Ruben Amorim should be given three years to prove himself at the Premier League club, but the Portuguese was sacked in early January.

Following a 1-1 draw away at Leeds United, Amorim delivered a bizarre press conference that signalled the end by stating he wanted to be United's manager, rather than head coach.

Now, it is up to former Red Devil Carrick to fix some of the problems at the Theatre of Dreams in his first managerial role since he was sacked by Championship side Middlesbrough in June of last year.

While he will not be able to find a solution to every issue, DAZN News analyses what the former midfielder can do between now and the end of the season.

What should Michael Carrick do tactically?

During Amorim's stint as United boss, his tactics often came under fire, particularly his stubbornness to utilise a back three with two wing-backs.

Indeed, during Darren Fletcher's exceptionally short spell as interim head coach, the 2-2 draw with Burnley, he adopted a back four with Diego Dalot and Luke Shaw as full-backs.

It seems almost certain that Carrick will also favour four at the back, given the personnel at his disposal, but he should be allowed to tinker when appropriate.

Another criticism of Amorim during his Red Devils reign was his unorthodox substitutions during matches, often taking off centre-backs midway through the second half.

While Carrick does not have long to make an impact at his old stomping ground, he must maintain some calm and consistency in his backline and build strong foundations in the hub of defence.

Carrick can influence Manchester United's central midfield

Given that Carrick was part of an exceptional central midfield under Sir Alex Ferguson, he must be itching to make his stamp on a problem area for the club.

While Casemiro has delivered some quality performances this campaign, Manuel Ugarte has continued to falter, and they are not exactly the most mobile of midfielders.

Of course, one solution could be to bring Kobbie Mainoo into the starting lineup.

Amorim was bombarded with questions about why he was so reluctant to select the England youngster, with sections of supporters and the media baffled by his omission.

If Carrick does favour Mainoo, then it could be a quick win, but it could also reap long-term rewards if he delivers the level of performance required to be a United mainstay.

With the Red Devils unlikely to strengthen central midfield significantly in the January transfer window, Carrick must aim to influence an area of the pitch he bossed as a player.

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United need calm after Ruben Amorim's emotional spell

While nobody can fault Amorim's passion, his press conferences were often extremely emotional and bordering on eccentric.

Whether it is even possible, what United need now is a calm head, and it does not get much more measured than former Boro boss Carrick.

During his time at the Riverside Stadium, the 44-year-old was rarely animated on the sidelines, and if he did panic, then it was impossible to tell.

During press conferences, the Wallsend-born man adopted the same demeanour and demonstrated that he can deal with tough questions and handle the media.

Of course, this is Manchester United, and if things do not go to plan, then he will inevitably come under fire, but Carrick can soak up all that is thrown his way.

This is certainly an immense step up from managing Boro, and Carrick must make an immediate impact if the Red Devils are to qualify for Europe.

Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

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