Will Manchester United struggle without Michael Carrick?

Michael Carrick

Just as things were starting to take shape, just as David Moyes’ XI began to pick itself thanks to an infusion of quality… Michael Carrick’s injury represents a true spanner in the works.

The England international has only recently returned from a troublesome ailment that kept him out for more than a month at the back-end of 2013, and now feared ankle ligament damage has ruled him out of the club’s tussle with Cardiff City this week, and for the foreseeable future too.

Fans have been left questioning how Moyes should structure his midfield against former hero Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, with many panicking now their reliable anchor has been ruled out.

First and foremost, Moyes has to adopt a shape that can exert control over possession and, therefore, the game. Too often do we see the Red Devils on the run on home soil, and the multitude of goals scored from crosses speaks volumes of their counter-attacking, direct approach.

Carrick Pass Accuracy – PL 2013/14

They were out-possessed by Sunderland for long periods during their Capital One Cup loss last week, and that was despite the presence of Carrick in midfield. The Englishman has averaged an 87 percent pass accuracy this season so far—a figure topped by very few consistently selected players in his team.

Wayne Rooney likely won’t be fit to start and Robin van Persie remains absent, necessitating the introduction of new signing Juan Mata from the beginning to spark the home crowd.

In a balanced 4-2-3-1 he may well find himself playing as a narrow left-sider more often in the future, but with the R&R out for the time being, he can assume a controlling No. 10 role.

Despite experiencing limited playing time at Chelsea, he was still a magnificent presence in the side, laying on 28 key passes despite only finishing two of his 13 games. He’ll also keep the ball extremely well, giving United some relief in key periods during the game.

To his right should be Antonio Valencia, who despite having blown hot and cold this season, provides natural width on one side, hugs the line and opens up the pitch for others to play in. Rafael can be a key weapon if fit, and his dove-tailing with Valencia ranks as one of the most intuitive combinations in world football.

Januzaj Chances Created – PL 2013/14

On the left, a little ingenuity is required, and with the weekend off to prepare Adnan Januzaj should be raring to go. With only six full games to his name in the Premier League so far, the fact that’s he’s United’s joint-most creative player in midfield with 18 chances created is astonishing.

Jones Defensive Actions – PL 2013/14

Danny Welbeck remains the only option up front given Javier Hernandez’s woeful performances of late, and Phil Jones, who averages a whopping nine defensive actions per game in his destructive role, will slot in to the base of the formation.

Alongside Jones, and in place of the injured Carrick, is the position Tom Cleverleyand Darren Fletcher are fighting for. The former has had a disappointing season, while the latter has emerged from the impossible to play again.

It doesn’t truly matter which one is picked, so long as they are given the proviso of completing high-percentage passes and playing a conservative game.

Leave the creating to Mata, and see what he can do.