Analysis: Carrick needs the right recruitment

There are a number of reasons why Michael Carrick ended up getting the United job.

His natural calm demeanour is one; never too high, never too low. He is also the least likely person to public harangue his own players – as Ruben Amorim did. He changed formations, restored Kobbie Mainoo to the starting line-up, was visual at academy matches and gave a chance to Shea Lacey and Tyler Fletcher in this game.

These are all big ticks for any Manchester United manager.

But the main plus was that he has won matches, from the start against Manchester City to the end against Brighton and with a unerring regularity in between.

The key now is continuing that theme, but in a season that will contain many more than this season's 40 games and with a squad that lacks Casemiro and, by common consent, the depth to compete on four fronts.

Central midfield is the stated priority, and Nottingham Forest's England international Elliot Anderson the prime target.

But there are others.

Reports out of Italy concerning Atalanta midfielder Ederson may have indicated negotiations are more advanced than United sources believe to be the case but there is definite interest. There have been talks and a transfer is not being ruled out for the Brazilian, who is not part of Carlo Ancelotti's World Cup squad.

West Ham's relegation also opens up the potential for signing their Portugal international Mateus Fernandes, someone they are also keen on, for a lower price.

Not all the targets will be caught, but Carrick has done his bit.

Now he needs the recruitment team to do theirs.