5 Man Utd stars could be axed if Champions League winner replaces Carrick | Football | Sport
Manchester United are on the search for a new permanent manager (Image: Getty)
Until Manchester United make an official announcement about their new permanent manager, some recognisable names are expected to remain in contention. Luis Enrique was linked with a move to Old Trafford in 2022, the same year United ultimately appointed Erik ten Hag, while he has resurfaced in the headlines recently, giving the current squad pause for thought.
The Spaniard has flourished at Paris Saint-Germain, guiding the club to their first Champions League triumph last season. His existing contract at the Parc des Princes is understood to extend until 2027, though the club’s hierarchy are eager to retain him beyond that. It may prove that Michael Carrick’s performances as interim manager are sufficient to persuade United to appoint him permanently. And if the Red Devils opt for Enrique, his previous track record could signal trouble for certain players in the squad.
In April 2023, shortly before the PSG manager assumed his current position, The Coaches’ Voice examined Luis Enrique’s favoured formations and tactical approach. Nevertheless, as seen over the past two-and-a-half years, he has demonstrated adaptability depending on the players available to him.
The 55-year-old has generally favoured a 4-3-3 formation for both club and international sides, though he has demonstrated a readiness to deploy a back three when circumstances demand it. Here’s what that could mean for United’s current squad…
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
4-3-3 (Spain style)
At Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup with Spain, Luis Enrique preferred the 4-3-3. However, the composition of those sides wasn’t always identical. In Qatar, possession-oriented Dani Olmo was deployed in a wide position for the remarkable 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica – a stark contrast to more direct operators like Pablo Sarabia and Mikel Oyarzabal at the previous tournament.
Reverting to the 2022 approach could see Bruno Fernandes shift from midfield to a more advanced left-wing role. Matheus Cunha’s attributes also suit the system, though significant upheaval may be unwelcome following Casemiro’s departure.
Judging by United’s existing squad, this approach may require several new additions. Luis Enrique preferred a degree of defensive composure with Spain, utilising Rodri as a central defender during the 2022 World Cup.
Such an approach appears to suit Lisandro Martinez particularly well, given his comfort on the ball and previous outings as a defensive midfielder, while it could hand Noussair Mazraoui an opportunity ahead of Diogo Dalot at full-back – though the likes of Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt may harbour concerns over their involvement in central defence.
While Manuel Ugarte has been included in this formation, it is worth noting that the Uruguayan failed to establish a rapport with the same manager at PSG. He may well be handed another opportunity, though it appears more probable that a fresh face will be brought in to bolster the centre of the pitch.
Potential XI: Lammens; Mazraoui, Yoro, Martinez, Shaw; Ugarte, Mainoo, Fernandes; Mbeumo, Sesko, Cunha
Luis Enrique could become the next Man Utd manager (Image: Getty)
4-3-3 (PSG style)
The 4-3-3 he deploys at PSG has occasionally utilised a false nine system, with Ousmane Dembele flourishing in the role during last season’s triumphant Champions League campaign. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue filled the wide positions in the final, leaving Inter Milan utterly powerless against the attacking menace.
One player whose position may be scrutinised is Benjamin Sesko, who suits the Alvaro Morata role employed by Luis Enrique for Spain, yet whose nearest equivalent in PSG’s squad – Goncalo Ramos – has predominantly featured from the bench.
Luke Shaw is another who could find regular starts hard to come by. Luis Enrique favours full-backs who possess boundless energy and are capable of marauding up and down the flank – as demonstrated by Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi – so a 30-year-old with an inconsistent fitness record may not be someone he feels he can depend upon.
This could prove to be a system that encourages Martinez to drop into midfield to provide some equilibrium as the full-backs surge forward. What United would give for the 2022/23 incarnation of Casemiro in this squad.
Potential XI: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Dorgu; Martinez, Mainoo, Fernandes; Mbeumo, Cunha, Amad
3-4-2-1
United’s squad possesses considerable familiarity with a three-man defence courtesy of Ruben Amorim, even if results weren’t always favourable. The Portuguese manager made a new wing-back his priority after arriving in 2024, securing Patrick Dorgu, and the Dane could well be Luis Enrique’s preferred option to fill the left wing-back position in which Nuno Mendes excelled at times in Ligue 1.
The manager has alternated his attacking strategy on those occasions he has deployed three at the back. Two genuinely offensive supporting forwards has typically been his choice, though, indicating a front three of Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko remains a possibility.
This system was frequently employed against inferior opposition, facilitating a partnership between Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes, which Amorim deemed unworkable in the Premier League. Judging by Luis Enrique’s track record, it’s conceivable this formation might be utilised somewhat less regularly (if at all).
Potential XI: Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez; Amad, Mainoo, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Sesko
Who is at risk?
As we can see, there’s substantial variation in the methods Luis Enrique has adopted previously. The Premier League differs sufficiently from both Ligue 1 and international football that – if appointed – the manager would likely favour experimentation during pre-season to establish what proves most effective.
Some positions will undoubtedly be addressed through new signings, but there are players who may already be eyeing the exit door should the Spaniard take charge. Ugarte’s motivations have already been well documented, while De Ligt, Sesko, Shaw and Dalot could all find their prospects diminishing depending on the incoming manager’s preferences.
Though one would expect Sesko to be the most likely among that group to receive a genuine opportunity to prove himself, given the clear signs of progress he has shown throughout this season.
