CARRICK AT THE WHEEL

Speaking of sentimental, the Man United fans, we talked about them last week, but we have to start with them again this week because they're getting sentimental now.

They're starting to dream a bit.

What has happened with Michael Carrick's new Manchester United? Does anyone want to explain what the hell is going on? I think it's quite simple.

Basically, number one, allowing players to play in the position where they feel most comfortable, concentrating on their strengths rather than their weaknesses.

And obviously behind closed doors, making people feel 10 feet tall.

And I think that sometimes gets a little bit overlooked, especially when we're talking about the top level.

We tend to, especially these days, a lot, which is understandable too, concentrate on tactics and how they're playing.

It hasn't been nothing spectacular, you know, really.

4-2-3-1, there were times against Arsenal as well when they were defending, it was like a 6-2-2.

People tracking back, we spoke about that last week, Robbie, tracking back, trying to help each other out.

And there seems a much better spirit and cohesion.

I haven't seen the last two, it's only been two games, but I have not seen the arms go up in the air or...

All the body language is a lot better.

And it just seems a really good feeling.

And it's hard to explain sometimes, but we all get that feeling, regardless if you're a football expert or ex-player or somebody who's watching the game for the first time.

But we all know when you're watching certain games, you get feelings during the games.

You think, oh, they're never going to score.

They're going to win.

They're still in this.

And even after the first half an hour of that game where Arsenal were exceptional and deservedly took the league, I was still thinking there, Manchester United still got a big chance here and it proved to be correct and of course they've got exceptional quality and if you've got exceptional quality and you know as a coach how to give those players with exceptional quality time and space well

and confidence I think one of the things that stood out an interesting comment of what Carrick has done with culture and tweaks here for me and you all know as players you hate a long training session now Carrick's come out and one of the things he's changed is he's reduced the training time.

And they're now more intense.

Shorter sessions, more intense.

And I look at United in these five games and I'm thinking, they do look sharper.

And Burma's looking sharper.