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Manchester United have recovered from the Leeds setback with back-to-back wins against Chelsea and Brentford, and the latter vindicated their Leeds loss theory.
After the 2-1 win against Brentford, Man Utd and Michael Carrick can almost smell the scent of Champions League at Old Trafford.
This win has ensured that the shock setback against Leeds remains just that, a shock, and not an indicator of a wider malaise.
What it also confirmed is why that Leeds loss happened in the first place, which bodes really well for Carrick’s prospects long term.
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Getty Images Man Utd win vs Brentford vindicates Leeds loss theory
United started the game against Brentford like a team on a mission to grab that UCL qualification place by the scruff of its neck.
They should have been up by at least three goals in the first 15 minutes, which was in stark contrast to how they started the game against Leeds.
That day, they could have been down by three goals in the first 15 minutes. So, where did that poor start come from, and why was it fixed against Brentford?
The answer is simple, and it has to do with the 24-day break between United’s game against Bournemouth and their fixture against Leeds.
It’s not a coincidence that United started to play well in the second half against Leeds despite going down to ten men, because they were simply gaining match fitness while playing a competitive game.
The game against Chelsea got them more rhythm, and the fast start against Brentford was a buildup of the same phenomenon.
Carrick didn’t become a bad manager with the Leeds game, and he’s not a messiah after the Brentford win. It’s simply a case of a unique season leaving the players rusty.
Vindication of Leeds loss theory bodes well for Michael Carrick
Carrick faced a lot of tough questions after the Leeds loss, but the performance of the team since then, plus the effect of Kobbie Mainoo, has largely vindicated him.
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The performances becoming better gradually prove the rust vs rhythm theory, which Carrick warned about, and Mainoo’s absence in the Leeds game was a huge blow, as proven by the player himself since he returned to the side.
Neither of those factors is in the manager’s control, as he wasn’t in charge when United threw two cup competitions, and he isn’t to blame for United’s startling lack of squad depth.
It bodes well for Carrick that the only shock loss on his resume so far is down to two factors beyond his control.
He’s doing what he can control at an elite level, and navigating a tough period with supreme calmness and composure.
Even the losses under him feel palatable and logical.
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