Michael Carrick speaks out as Man Utd confirm his return as interim head coach | Football

Manchester United were incredibly generous leading up to Christmas and over the festive period, handing out points at home to Everton, West Ham, Bournemouth and Wolves before draws away to Leeds and Burnley.

But as is stands, they are firmly within touching distance of the Champions League spots, just a point off fifth place.

Even after being knocked out of the FA Cup, there is still plenty to salvage from the season – if Carrick and his staff can make some quick fixes.

Solve Sesko’s struggles up front

Benjamin Sesko has had some fleeting moments of promise this season but the jury is still out. At times, the Slovenia international has looked effective foil for Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, holding the ball up and linking play intelligently in the final third.

But questions over his physicality and unconvincing finishing remain. His performance against Burnley largely summed things up – scoring twice with two excellent finishes in the second-half but only after a thoroughly wretched display in the opening 45 where he could barely keep the ball under control.

Another goal against Brighton on Sunday means the 22-year-old has scored more under Darren Fletcher than he did under Amorim. A change of system and playing style has offered early promise.

Abandon the dreaded 3-4-3

It would serve as a huge shock were Carrick to persist with the system that became nothing but a cross to bear for Amorim.

Carrick very rarely deviated from a 4-2-3-1 formation at Middlesbrough, sometimes to his detriment, with a lack of a ‘plan B’ often cited as one of the reasons his failed to achieve promotion.

But this system appears to be perfectly suited to the Red Devils squad. Too often it has been a case of square pegs in round holes for United over the last year. Simplifying matters may be the interim boss’ best course of action in the six months he has.

Reintegrate Mainoo and revive his United fortunes

As he may have been privately hoping for all season, Kobbie Mainoo has managed to outlast Ruben Amorim. With no Premier League starts to his name, it has been a miserable campaign but the change in system will surely open up a role in midfield for the 20-year-old.

United are desperately short of the controlling, calm presence Carrick once provided in the engine room. Who better to teach Mainoo the ropes.

It’s a two-way street – United need inspiration in midfield and Mainoo needs to deliver if he is to stand any chance of forcing his way into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad heading to the World Cup next summer. There can be no more excuses.

Unleash Fernandes in his old role

Restoring Mainoo to midfield and a shift in system could see Bruno Fernandes restored to the more advanced role where he has historically been at his prolific best in Manchester.

The Portugal international scored 44 goals and laid on 35 assists in his 97 games while Carrick served as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s assistant, averaging 0.81 goal contributions per game.

It might require some tinkering with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo also in the picture but the rewards could be enormous.

Fernandes has performed admirably in his deeper role this season but it is further up the pitch where he is most dangerous. Amid reports the captain has had enough of Old Trafford, keeping him happy is a top priority.

Tony Mogan, live sports editor,