Wes Brown: Michael Carrick Has United Playing Without Fear Again | OneFootball

Wes Brown believes Michael Carrick has quickly transformed the mood at Manchester United, fuelling a “buzz” around the club about the fearless football being played under the interim boss.

The legendary United defender was speaking exclusively to The Peoples Person in an interview hosted by BetWright. After United’s fourth consecutive win, Brown said the atmosphere among players and fans has shifted noticeably.

“There’s a very good atmosphere at the moment,” Brown said. “There’s a buzz going through the fans.”

The former England man felt the improvement goes beyond results, pointing to a clear identity on the pitch.

“The players are responding to it,” he explained. “We’re seeing some good football — football we haven’t seen consistently over the last few years.”

New manager bounce or the real deal?

According to Brown, Carrick has empowered the squad to express themselves.

“He’s got the lads up for it,” he said. “You can see they’re organised, they’re playing without fear, they’re expressing themselves a little bit and scoring goals. And I think that’s all everyone ever asked for, really. But it does look good. The energy is there and it’s really positive at times. So he’s done a really good job in the small space that he’s had.”

Carrick’s former team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also won his first four games as interim manager. We asked Brown if he sees a difference between Carrick’s start and that of the Norwegian, and how much of this is due to “new manager bounce.”

“First of all, Michael has obviously been manager as well. When he left that role the first time, you’d always look back and maybe feel what you could do different. Now, obviously, this is another opportunity to change that a little bit. But like you said, I mean, sometimes it’s tough. You do so well in the first four games. Obviously, people be like, can he keep it going? Is there going to be a drop eventually?”

“But I just feel like it’s a little bit different this time around. I feel the players obviously really can see, really enjoy Michael being there.”

The right staff

Brown also pointed to the coaching staff Carrick has assembled.

“The team that he brought in as well — they’re enjoying the football they’re doing,” he explained. “They’re pretty much playing what they see. There’s no hesitation.”

On Carrick’s long-term prospects, Brown believes the interim manager has strengthened his case.

“He’s definitely throwing his name in the hat,” Brown said. “He’s taken us from, at times, very basic football to a really enjoyable team to watch.”

“I’ve heard a lot of people speak, and Michael’s obviously had a couple of games before when he managed Middlesbrough. I really liked watching Middlesbrough before. They were very exciting. They did have a young team. I went once or twice. But we’re talking about most of this team are internationals. They know what they’re doing. They know what’s expected of them.”

He then explained that the true test would be how the team reacts under Carrick when things don’t go well.

“But at the same time, you know there’s going to be a dip at some point. And I think, personally, it’s how you react to that dip.”

But Brown remains quietly confident.

“Everything he’s been asked to do, he’s doing,” he said. “And the players are doing it as well.”

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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