Manchester United have earned an almost unprecedented sprint break. While rivals are tiredly adjusting to the key stage of the season, Manchester United are enjoying their "spring break".
This 24-day break is actually a "reward" for Manchester United's previous poor record, and it is not Carrick's fault. Missing out on European competition and being eliminated early from domestic cup competitions has created the club's longest league break in 111 years.
Manchester United played Bournemouth in an earlier time slot before the international match, and will next face Leeds United.
During Manchester United's break, Arsenal have played four games: the League Cup final, the FA Cup quarter-finals, the Champions League quarter-finals, and a crucial Premier League game.
Liverpool have also played four games, and Chelsea and Aston Villa have each played three.
In fact, Manchester United's current 24-day break is longer than Chelsea's break last summer, and also longer than Manchester City's pre-season preparation time.