ineight

Manchester United didn’t go from Erik ten Hag straight to Michael Carrick. We didn’t go from a team that struggled to protect a lead under Ten Hag to a defensively compact side just because Carrick has spent three weeks at the club. We didn’t go from a squad full of egos, indiscipline, and clubbing addictions to one built on athleticism, focus, unity, and hard work simply because Carrick arrived three weeks ago. We didn’t go from a team that was consistently outplayed and dominated in possession under Ten Hag to one that now controls games and dominates the ball just because Carrick has been around for a few weeks. We didn’t go from a team with serious goal-scoring problems under Ten Hag to one scoring for fun just because Carrick took over. We didn’t suddenly become a threat from set pieces just because Carrick has spent three weeks at Manchester United. A certain Portuguese coach ensured that ego, indiscipline, and toxicity were completely eradicated from the dressing room. He made sure deadwood and entitled players were cut loose. He made sure we became a possession-based team again that could match the athleticism and intensity of any opponent. He made sure we fought for every ball, scored goals, and converted set pieces. He made sure the players were united, the dressing room was healthy, and most importantly, that Manchester United became a joy to watch again after years of depressing football. His name is Rúben Amorim! Hate him all you want, but the truth remains: he is the single most important reason we are where we are as a club right now.