12 Oct 2026 14:12:53
We need to talk about the low-mid block, or what used to be known as sitting deep.
Not only is this system fundamentally dated for a top level side, Jose's success with Chelsea and Inter is a long time ago. More importantly, United aren't even implementing this system properly.
The Jose system was to make things tight for the opposition by using a well organised unit to press and harass them before they got the chance to get the ball in the box. Yes, they sat deeper. But this was to make it easier for defenders to press mover effectively.
Carrick's system seems to adopt the shape of a low block without the pressure. United players standing in a line in front of the box. They're not attempting to win the ball or even pressure the player in possession. They just stand around waiting for the opposition to make a mistake. The fact that Carrick refuses to accept this is a passive approach is a huge concern.
After the Fulham game, I assumed we were going to see an evolution. No way that a manager could have watched that and been happy. The brain trust had three weeks to come up with a better plan. But there was nothing different yesterday. Banks of players checking to make sure they were in line, just allowing Spurs to keep the ball. If Spurs made a mistake, the ball was given straight to Bruno who tried to play a quick pass in behind. In the rare moments we had sustained possession the passing was slow and movement non-existent.
If Spurs had a better striker, we could have been battered. Our own goal was the result of their defence switching off, rather than us cutting them open. The most embarrassing thing is that we looked worse after they went down to ten. Same as the city game, like our players haven't a clue how to use the extra possession and space to their advantage.
Honestly, I have no clue what Carrick thinks this system will accomplish. It feels like we have become progressively more passive and deeper as the season has progressed. Does Carrick think that this is the solution to our defensive problems?
12 Oct 2026 15:31:34
This is Carrick ball, all slow no pace find Bruno and fingers crossed we have coaches in Evans And woodgate who would get nowhere near another club on coaching staff, we have become a United retirement home, for 2/3rd rate low rent staff, it's a joke and diabolical way to run what is supposed to be an elite one of the biggest in the world football clubs, we should be hiring elite managers and coaches then maybe buying an elite player or two instead of spending 100s of millions on non elite players
Tielemans and Santos nowhere near level required
Cunha & Mbeumo are not elite level, neither is Lammens not Sesko add that to the crap of Martinez McGuire Dalot and you not got a lot and these are our starting line up players Amad and Yoro can be added to that too .the standards have dropped so low it's not going to change anytime soon.
12 Oct 2026 16:07:37
It's just going over old ground, it won't change.
The club is a complete sh*t show from top to bottom.
12 Oct 2026 16:42:22
I don't think it's really going over old ground. Even during the worst of Ole's McFred era and Amorim's disastrous start last season, there was more energy and purpose.
We've had players clearly throw in the towel before, and stop putting in effort. This feels different, as if the manager has purposely decided upon a way of playing football that requires minimal effort both in attack and defence. It doesn't seem like the players can't be arsed, more a sense that this is what the manager actually wants them to do.
12 Oct 2026 18:21:10
I blame the players for not really working hard enough but I blame theanager for not having them organised better and with patterns of play so that in game they can adapt and implement them as necessary.