Carrick's injury could pave the way for Phil Jones to cement midfield spot

But what Moyes could do is simply look to secure the midfield with Fellaini and Jones and give more license to the front four to do the damage. Nobody expects the United midfield to contribute with goals and assists, so why not simply shore it up with ball-winning, physically imposing midfielder?

Jones’s versatility: How to get the best out of him?

It’s all well and good playing superbly against Arsenal, but this season United have struggled against vastly inferior opposition and there is a serious need for a definitive playing style. For that to happen, the likes of Fellaini and Cleverley will need more game-time. At the same time, given the duo’s lack of game time till now, it would be prudent to use Jones as a safety net; a perfect foil for someone like Felliani to get back into shape, as has not looked anything like the player Everton possessed last season.

Instead of using Jones in his natural centreback role (which he is already good at), Moyes could use Jones in a midfield role for the near future, at least till Carrick returns. It’s unfair to ask a youngster to play different positions in every game, and a sustained spell in the middle of the park could see Jones become acclimatized to a role that he plays rarely.

And it is common sense to have a stable midfield to promote harmony through the team’s play, so as to get the most out of the front four. A midfield of two out of Fellaini, Cleverley and Jones, whilst functional, could allow the front four to get on with their jobs – creating and scoring goals.

Conclusion

Over the past seasons, Manchester United have dropped down the order in terms of having a creating central midfield. Last season and this season as well, United have struggled against sides that press heavily and don’t allow the midfielders time on the ball. Good players will always find a way to get around pressing, but when you don’t have those players, you should think of a plan B.

In passing, Moyes should look to have a physically imposing and direct midfield, much like their noisy neighbours, who in Yaya Toure and Fernandinho possess a midfield that allows the front four the creative freedom to create and score goals. This could be the key in unlocking the attacking talent that Manchester United possess, which is currently being stifled because of a midfield that does not win the ball back and keep it for long.

And the time is right for a change, now that United’s most creative central midfielder is out till Christmas, and perhaps longer.