Michael Carrick will have little time to celebrate his appointment as Manchester United interim manager until the end of the season.

As far as first assignments go, Carrick has been thrown a hand grenade. It starts with a Manchester derby against City on Saturday before a trip to Premier League leaders Arsenal next week.

Conversely, maybe they are the best two games Carrick could have hoped for. His appointment was only made off the back of Ruben Amorim's sacking and Darren Fletcher overseeing an FA Cup exit against Brighton. Expectations aren't exactly high at Old Trafford just now.

We look at the most pressing problems in Carrick's Old Trafford in-tray.

1. Get back to the 'United Way'

The phrase is loaded with history and myth and by no means exclusive to United. It refers to a fixed tactical system, principles and identity developed over many decades. It's not part of the club's DNA, it is it. Players are expected to produce a certain brand of football – entertaining, brave, and willing to die for the shirt. Most of all, they are expected to win.

Nostalgia plays a huge part at any club, but with United seemingly in eternal decl

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