Let’s get a few facts out there.
Manchester United were winning their third Premier League game in a row, in the third game of Carrick’s second spell in charge. It took Amorim 36 to do that and only the once did he manage three-in-a-row – or even successive wins – in his entire 14 months at Old Trafford.
In responding to victories for Chelsea and Liverpool the previous day, United returned to fourth spot in the table. Amorim never had them placed so highly at the end of a match round.
Including his first spell in 2021, Carrick has now won four of his five league games in charge.
He is the third United manager to achieve that, following Sir Matt Busby in 1946 and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2019. It took Amorim 12 league games to win four – and he won one out of the next 10. Amorim’s record of 1.23 points per game in the Premier League is the lowest of all United managers since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013.
Then there is the formation – and personnel.
Evidently, United have not resolved their defensive frailties, but the switch to four at the back from three has not made them worse.
That fundamental tactical switch from Amorim’s regime has been key in creating the space for Kobbie Mainoo’s return. Mainoo failed to start a single league game under Amorim this season after he was pitched in direct competition with skipper Bruno Fernandes for a starting spot.
Mainoo cruised through the Fulham game. Defensively, supposedly his weakness, he was solid. Going forward his passing and ability to find space was invaluable as Carrick’s side sought ways through the opposition defences.
“Kobbie’s performance was very good today in so many ways,” said Carrick.
“There was a lot of work for Kobbie and Casemiro to do in the middle of the pitch. That was without the ball, and I thought he was terrific in that.
“With the ball, and I’ve spoken about it before, he’s not fazed.
“He understands what’s needed and he comes up with moments of quality.
“It’s what we have come to expect from him but you forget how young he is.
“He’s still got loads to come but seeing him today, playing with that kind of confidence in their belief, is a real joy.”