Man United’s quiet MVP: How Carrick liberated Mourinho’s men against Swansea

When the team-sheet was released, the first reaction was “why?” The team was short of pace and contained just one left footed player in centre-back Marcos Rojo. Even against a poor Swansea side, leaving all of his fast players on the bench was a big risk for José Mourinho.

But it was a risk that paid off. Paul Pogba rocketed in a sublime long-range half-volley and then Zlatan Ibrahimovic followed up with two decisive finishes to end the match as a contest before the half-time whistle. It was a decisive display from the Red Devils, putting their recent woes aside.

So which player was the superstar? Zlatan Ibrahimovic and his brace? Paul Pogba and his storming goal and stunning attacking play? Wayne Rooney’s brilliant couple of assists? (well, one brilliant assist and one excellent off the ball run for the opening goal). Turns out, no. The most important display from a Manchester United player came from 35 year-old defensive midfielder Michael Carrick.

Carrick has only played six games this season, as Mourinho carefully manages his minutes to get the most out of his ageing legs. But it’s fast becoming apparent that if United want to play their best football, to get the most of their myriad attacking players, then the Englishman has to start at the base of their midfield.

The Red Devils came into this game against Swansea off the back of some terrible form. They had just two wins in their previous seven games, and one of those was a 1-0 success in the EFL Cup against what was essentially a reserve Manchester City side.

Mourinho was coming under increasing pressure, and a difficult trip to Wales was the last thing he needed. United had lost their last two matches there, not winning since a Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck masterclass led to a 1-4 success back in David Moyes’ first league game in charge.

But Carrick, who started that day in 2013 and played just 30 minutes total over the subsequent losses in South Wales, was in sublime form. His passing was exemplary as his ability to find team-mates between the lines and initiate attacks allowed his midfield partners to play much higher up.

Pogba benefited hugely from this freedom, surging forward in a way he has often been unable to thus far this season. When Carrick doesn’t play, the France international has to drop deep and initiate attacks, because United have no other player who can do that. This responsibility limits his effectiveness as an attacking force (it is a role he may take up as he gets older, but for now Pogba remains best in a dynamic midfield role).

Pogba’s excellence then echoed further up the field, benefiting Wayne Rooney (playing in an unfamiliar left-wing role) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. And the quality of these attacking players won the game for United, blowing Swansea away in that brilliant opening half.

But it all originated from Carrick. The former England international was supreme. He had 86 passes attempted with a 95% completion rate, he made 2 interceptions and 1 clearance whilst winning 100% of his take-ons and 100% of his aerial duels.

In fact, had Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini played better, it could have been an even more emphatic victory. Indeed, when Ander Herrera returns from suspension after the international break, the argument for him to not replace Carrick but play alongside him is very strong indeed.

A midfield three of Carrick, Herrera and Pogba would provide United with the kind of on-ball dominance they crave. But it cannot be a regular occurrence, because while Mourinho has probably not used Carrick enough, there is a logic to him using the veteran sparingly.

“It’s a pity he is not 25. It’s a pity you can’t stop the clock,” Mourinho said. “I cannot expect from Michael what I expect from Rashford or Herrera in terms of playing three to five consecutive matches, but he is phenomenal.”