Manchester United could well experience the post-manager sacking syndrome of simply revitalising their belief and ability without the man seemingly pulling them down. The club have lacked tactical analysis and ability for much of this season and other than the home victories over Leeds United and Newcastle United, they have played nothing like a team set up in a certain direction, and perhaps taking this anchor away from them might just be the difference.
It's doubtful Michael Carrick will change too much as much of his time in coaching has been on the side of Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, both, of course, have not been successful as the main man, so it's tough to see how the ex-midfielder does much.
With this in mind, perhaps that's what they need: shackles off and attack, attack, attack. Now, first up for them is the away trip to Chelsea, and in reality, it couldn't be timed any worse. Oddly enough, Solskjaer's record against Chelsea was exceptional and he even won at Stamford Bridge twice last season, winning 2-0 in the Premier League and 2-1 in the League Cup. Now, United are an extraordinary 5/1 to win, however.
Soon after, they face Arsenal at home where they have had a torrid record as Solskjaer couldn't seem to beat the Gunners bar an FA Cup clash in 2019. 'Easier' games follow with the visit of Crystal Palace and away trips to Norwich City and Brentford, with the latter facing off against United for the first time in the Premier League which could mean anything.
Our prediction is United likely win the games against the smaller clubs, but beating Chelsea and Arsenal back-to-back is near-impossible to argue right now. United are 12/1 to win their next three games with Carrick currently in charge and 22/1 to also beat Palace, Norwich and Brentford on top of that.
