Pundits are split on how hard they chase the ball: some say they hunt the ball high up the pitch, others that they wait and pick their moments.
“A 4-2-4 built on "trios," third-man runs and a high press designed to create counter-attacks.”“United have proportionately deployed a high block to a greater extent than any other Premier League team this season (42%) and this is up considerably from Carrick’s time in charge last term (26%).”“Without the ball Carrick enforced a compact mid-block and a simple 4-4-2 press.”“In fact, the three games when opposition teams have completed most passes against United have come in the last three games against Como, Atletico Madrid and Leeds. This has coincided with Carrick's attempts to be more compact and solid defensively.”When pressed, United keep passing it around at the back rather than going long.
“Rather than force long balls forward when the press arrived, United’s centre-backs and goalkeeper kept circulating possession.”They keep the ball longer than they used to and work it through the centre, with Bruno Fernandes playing just behind the striker.
“Bruno Fernandes returned to the No.10 role, full-backs became more asymmetrical, and United played with longer, more central possession sequences.”United shoot more often than any other side in England. They will keep working the ball into shooting range and having a go.
“No top-flight team attempted more shots or had a greater number of shots on target than Carrick’s United, so creativity is unlikely to be in short supply.”