Former Man Utd coach Rene Meulensteen fears European football could prove a huge problem for Michael Carrick at Old Trafford this coming season
Michael Carrick has been told his honeymoon period as Manchester United boss could be over.
Carrick worked wonders in the second half of last season after replacing the sacked Ruben Amorim on a caretaker basis. He engineered some seismic wins, to lead United to Champions League qualification.
But Carrick has been warned that this achievement could come back to bite him this time round. Former United coach Rene Meulensteen reckons managing the increased workload of European football could lead to Carrick and his side's downfall.
Meulensteen, who was No.1 to Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, said: "The number of games they're going to be playing is something completely different to last season.
"Michael is going to have to manage the squad extremely well, because last season they played once a week and had plenty of time for recovery and probably more days off as well.
"Whereas this season will be completely different as the volume of games, training sessions, and recovery days will change drastically. Not only that, but the travel time between games, especially playing in Europe, will have a huge impact as well.
"That's going to be something that United and Carrick have to come to terms with very quickly in the early stages of the season. Are they strong enough to handle it? If the squad stays the way it is currently, I doubt it."
Meulensteen also believes United's defensive consistency will be crucial if they are to cope with the demands of the season. He added: "I still think they're vulnerable at the back - and that's one thing Michael is going to have to sort out as soon as possible when the season starts.
"Finding a centre-back partnership that works, and getting some consistency in the back line will be key. Harry Maguire is coming off a good end to last season, but he needs some complimentary centre backs next to him.
"They have plenty of options at centre back in (Lisandro) Martinez, (Leny) Yoro, (Ayden) Heaven and even Luke Shaw can play in the position.
"But the problem has been that inconsistency at the back, which he will need to sort out as soon as possible.”
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shipwilikineni6
1
Am an Arsenal fan but I believe Carrick is not the problem, Arteta was given the chance to pick his players and he compete in UCL, EPL EEF, and FA Cup, but Man united management is a problem to Carrick's coaching staffs. the guy is choosing his players but he is not given money to buy them. stingy club
nohakmny
0
Doesn't mean Rene man United will continue winning in all competitions
Wasaelopyz
0
is it because of one loss?
I guess you have to educate yourself more about man united, Bec you didn't get the point of what he's saying there, you just come here to say rubbish because you want to comment
Kudbcerstu
0
There not enough depth in d squad for epl n ucl games...
Widbiltz
1
Rene is right because Manchester United management are not helping Carrick to stay long as United coach
Faobklmsuz
0
is it because of one loss?
SakkieBruno
0
I don't know what the hell is wrong with United, not signing players, increasing salary noo, just Stingy club
Hauabeklm
1
Carrick is playing with fire. Every good thing is obtained with good money. Great players make great team. This summer, the administrators of Man u are not serious enough. Adding 3 players with £240m is better than 6 average players with £200m. Take it or leave it, u can win the league. Arsenal will, Tottenham is coming with a bang.
mokcorsz
0
take it easy Renee
mokcorsz
0
it's ok.. Manchester United is a tough n rough team... they'll strive for a glorious this season..
henabclmty
0
Now Man United is just a name , The problem those on the driving sit doesn't know anything about soccer,Shame
Kuzcdkruy
0
The honey will be over for carrick sooner or later.