Manchester United were incredibly generous leading as much as Christmas and over the festive period, handing out points at home to Everton, West Ham, Bournemouth and Wolves before draws away to Leeds and Burnley.
But as is stands, they’re firmly inside touching distance of the Champions League spots, just a degree off fifth place.
Even after being knocked out of the FA Cup, there continues to be plenty to salvage from the season – if Carrick and his staff could make some quick fixes.
Solve Sesko’s struggles up front
Benjamin Sesko has had some fleeting moments of promise this season however the jury continues to be out. At times, the Slovenia international has looked effective foil for Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, holding the ball up and linking play intelligently in the ultimate third.
But questions over his physicality and unconvincing ending remain. His performance against Burnley largely summed things up – scoring twice with two excellent finishes within the second-half but only after a thoroughly wretched display within the opening 45 where he could barely keep the ball under control.
One other goal against Brighton on Sunday means the 22-year-old has scored more under Darren Fletcher than he did under Amorim. A change of system and playing style has offered early promise.
Abandon the dreaded 3-4-3
It might function an enormous shock were Carrick to stick with the system that became nothing but a cross to bear for Amorim.
Carrick very rarely deviated from a 4-2-3-1 formation at Middlesbrough, sometimes to his detriment, with an absence of a ‘plan B’ often cited as one in every of the explanations his failed to realize promotion.
But this method appears to be perfectly suited to the Red Devils squad. Too often it has been a case of square pegs in round holes for United during the last 12 months. Simplifying matters would be the interim boss’ best plan of action within the six months he has.
Reintegrate Mainoo and revive his United fortunes
As he could have been privately hoping for all season, Kobbie Mainoo has managed to outlast Ruben Amorim. With no Premier League starts to his name, it has been a miserable campaign however the change in system will certainly open up a job in midfield for the 20-year-old.
United are desperately wanting the controlling, calm presence Carrick once provided within the engine room. Who higher to show Mainoo the ropes.
It is a two-way street – United need inspiration in midfield and Mainoo must deliver if he’s to face any probability of forcing his way into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad heading to the World Cup next summer. There may be no more excuses.
Unleash Fernandes in his old role
Restoring Mainoo to midfield and a shift in system could see Bruno Fernandes restored to the more advanced role where he has historically been at his prolific best in Manchester.
The Portugal international scored 44 goals and laid on 35 assists in his 97 games while Carrick served as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s assistant, averaging 0.81 goal contributions per game.
It would require some tinkering with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo also in the image however the rewards could possibly be enormous.
Fernandes has performed admirably in his deeper role this season nevertheless it is further up the pitch where he’s most dangerous. Amid reports the captain has had enough of Old Trafford, keeping him pleased is a top priority.
Tony Mogan, live sports editor,