MANCHESTER United’s stars have credited their derby day showing against Manchester City to Michael Carrick’s improved training atmosphere since taking over from Ruben Amorim.
The players say Carrick’s sessions have been shorter but more intense – and crucially, more enjoyable.
A first teamer likened Amorim’s attention to detail as like “playing chess on a football pitch”, which could leave them both mentally drained and physically undercooked.
A source said: “Amorim’s sessions were gruelling but boring.
“He would focus so much on tactical detail and the players would be out on the training pitch for a long time, but sometimes without intensity.
“The information they had to take onboard could leave them feeling mentally drained.
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“Under Carrick it’s been very different. Shorter, sharper sessions which the players are enjoying more.
“They think the performance against City was a direct result of Carrick’s approach.”
Among the players impressed by Carrick’s approach is long-serving defender Harry Maguire.
Following the win over City, he said: “He’s got great ideas. He speaks really well. Tactically, he’s really, really good.
“And obviously, now he’s had a lot of experience at Middlesbrough as a manager. And I’m sure he’s going to come in here and implement his ideas.”
The 32-year-old added: “I must say, with him and all his coaching staff, I’ve been really impressed this week.
“He’s trying to bring new energy, new ideas, without drilling us too much at this moment tactically.
“I think he just wants to bring the energy back in the building. That’s so important.”
Former United midfielder Carrick was appointed as United manager until the end of the season, despite competition from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Amorim was sacked earlier this month after clashing with director of football Jason Wilcox.
Carrick led United to an impressive 2-0 win against Man City last Saturday, and will pit his wits against Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta on Sunday.
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