Manchester United’s mood has changed since Michael Carrick took over, and the results have followed, with four wins from four matches.
Carrick hasn’t made wholesale changes to the starting lineup during this run, instead keeping a consistent backline that now features Diogo Dalot, Maguire himself, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw. The only change was forced by injury when Matheus Cunha came in for Patrick Dorgu.
That leads us to the biggest improvement in the team under Carrick: the midfield. Casemiro has been joined by Kobbie Mainoo, with Bruno Fernandes pushed further forward into his preferred No.10 role.
Up front, Bryan Mbeumo continues to lead the line with Amad Diallo and Matheus Cunha operating out wide.
Harry Maguire praises Casemiro’s form under Carrick
As highlighted earlier, the most noticeable improvement since Carrick took over has come in midfield, and there haven’t been as many complaints about the defence or attack either.
The switch away from a back-three with wing-backs and the reintroduction of Mainoo into the side have played major roles in that turnaround.
Mainoo has worked well alongside Casemiro in midfield, and fans will be hoping that partnership continues to grow for the rest of the campaign.
This is set to be Casemiro’s final season at Old Trafford, but his recent performances haven’t gone unnoticed by Maguire.
“I always say, as a footballer, if the structure is good you can perform, and you can look a good player but the structure’s got to be good around you,” Maguire told TNT Sports. “And I think with Case as well I think we we’ve seen over the last couple of games when the structure’s good around Case he’s still a magnificent central midfielder.”
Casemiro has also benefited from United playing once a week recently. However, their match against West Ham comes just three days after beating Tottenham. The Brazilian will be hoping to deliver another strong performance as United push for Champions League qualification.
Casemiro hits 100 Premier League games for Manchester United
The Brazil international reached his century of league games during United’s 2-0 win over a Spurs side that finished the match with ten men.
Even after taking a heavy challenge from Cristian Romero, which led to a straight red card for the Tottenham captain, Casemiro stayed on and put in another strong performance.
He’s set to add to that tally on Tuesday when United face West Ham at the London Stadium.
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