Michael Carrick's initial victories over title challengers Manchester City and Arsenal were unexpected. What he did do was take a risk to try to get something from a game that appeared lost. When Manchester United drew against West Ham at Old Trafford in December, Ruben Amorim's only substitution involving an offensive player was Mason Mount for Joshua Zirkzee, 12 minutes from time. It was through his introduction of Zirkzee for full-back Diogo Dalot eight minutes from time where the risk and reward element came. It meant as the clocked ticked past five minutes of injury time played of the seven added, Carrick's side still had a chance.

Source: BBC February 11, 2026 15:35 UTC