#3. Micheal Carrick shows Mourinho how important it is to have a pass-master in Midfield
It is no coincidence that United tend to win more than they lose when Micheal Carrick plays in that deep-lying midfield role he has made his own. The Englishman had a more direct impact on the game with a rare goal coming off a well-placed shot, but it was his calm and assured presence in midfield that kept United ticking. He controlled the game throughout – and for the first 40 minutes helped United dominate possession. That there was no more than a goal to show for it was more down to failures elsewhere.
Trending
Carrick may not have the legs to play week in and week out in the high-tempo world of English football, but his presence on the pitch showed Mourinho what he had been missing the past week. A midfielder who can distribute the ball well, and control the tempo of the match.
Daley Blind can play the role with near-equal competence and the United manager will need to look toward one of the two to steady the Mancunian's midfield.
Ander Herrera's energy and Morgan Schneiderlin's strength complimented the Englishman's passing well and It will be hard for Mourinho to keep Herrera, especially, out of the starting XI.
