Michael Carrick eager to ‘keep momentum’ by sticking with winning Man Utd team

Michael Carrick has had little reason to change a winning line-up since he took over as Manchester United boss.

Carrick has won five of his six games in charge since he was appointed on a deal to the end of the season, drawing the other, as United have moved up into the Premier League’s top four.

The former United captain has done it using only 13 different players in his starting XIs, and notably the two changes he has made coming after Patrick Dorgu and then Lisandro Martinez suffered injuries which forced them out.

Many fans are hoping Carrick finds a place in his side for Benjamin Sesko when Crystal Palace visit Old Trafford on Sunday given his run of six goals in seven games, but the Slovenian has had to be patient so far as Carrick sticks with a successful side.

United’s lack of European or cup football – they were knocked out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup at the first hurdles – has enabled Carrick to keep changes to a minimum, but he admitted he needed to think carefully about the squad as a whole.

“It is something we are aware of,” he said. “We had quite a big break before the last game (Monday night’s 1-0 win at Everton). When there are a lot more games we have rotation or having to change things physically.

“There are huge positives with the results we’ve had, playing well and winning games, but a big awareness from me and the staff is how important everyone is in the group.

“Even though it’s the same players, game-to-game we have tweaked things, some of the front players have changed in different positions, Luke (Shaw) has played in different roles in possession, but there is a feeling of trying to keep the momentum.”

One of the players who has been unable to break into Carrick’s side is Manuel Ugarte. The £50million midfielder is yet to start under Carrick, and has clocked just 27 minutes of action since his appointment, featuring as an unused substitute in three of the six matches.

Carrick said the Uruguayan still has a significant role to play.

“I like Manu a lot, he’s been terrific around the group with his attitude and how we go about it, his training qualities, he’s got a lot of good attributes,” he said. “When the team is winning there is a big upside to that.

“For one or two boys who haven’t played as much, it makes it a little bit tougher to get in the team, but everyone is pushing each other. Many are desperate to get on the pitch a bit more. There are times when we might need to change things and he’s a big part of that.”