Man United star Ruben Amorim loved can offer Michael Carrick solution

Manchester United have a problem brewing in defence but Michael Carrick does have a solution within his existing squad

Michael Carrick has hit his first hurdle at Manchester United since arriving as interim head coach in January. The 2-1 defeat to Newcastle ended his unbeaten return and raised the first murmurings about his suitability for the permanent position. Ultimately, Carrick will be judged as much on United’s response to setbacks, as the setbacks themselves.

That is why this week is crucial for the Reds. One thing Carrick will want to consider is his defence. The centre-back partnership of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez was a solid foundation for United. However, it was broken up before the Everton win due to the latter’s injury.

With Matthijs de Ligt still absent, Leny Yoro was recalled to the starting line-up. Unfortunately for the 20-year-old, this season has been a struggle for him. The centre-back lost his man for Crystal Palace’s opener and while his performance at Newcastle was improved, there are still question marks surrounding him.

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Consistent playing time should help Yoro return to the player we know he can be. But Carrick’s problems in defence do not end there. Tyrell Malacia had played just two minutes in the Premier League this season before his cameo at Newcastle, and it showed.

Malacia looked rusty as William Osula twisted the defender inside and out before curling the winner home last Wednesday. While the Dutchman knows he should have done better, it was arguably a mistake by Carrick to thrust him into that position anyway. Particularly as a player Ruben Amorim loved would have been better suited to come on.

Ayden Heaven may only be 19, but he was given plenty of minutes under Amorim. Over Christmas and New Year, the defender was a consistent starter but since Carrick arrived opportunities have been sparse.

As a left-sided defender, Heaven would have been a better option for the final few moments at St James’ Park and yet, he was overlooked.

He can also fill in at centre-back should Carrick wish to try an alternative to Maguire and Yoro. But at the moment, United are choosing not to utilise him.

“I think Ayden has a great future,” Amorim said after the 4-1 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers. “He’s really hard to beat. He adapts really well in the centre.

“We have Matta [De Ligt] and Harry with problems. Of course, he needs more rhythm to play 90 minutes.

“Sometimes he plays man v man in that position and I think he did really well. I really enjoyed to see him with the ball and that was a very good part in this game.”

As Amorim rightly pointed out, Heaven is the future of this team. With Martinez and De Ligt’s injury problems persisting and Maguire’s future unclear, it would make sense for Heaven to play more.

At the moment, he is having to bide his time and that’s nothing new for the young defender. “I’ve had to be really patient,” Heaven admitted after that Wolves game.

“I feel like the manager is trusting me more now. I feel like whenever I’m playing, I’m getting better each time. I just want to develop and show what I can do.

“I feel great, we all feel great.” Surely now, with options limited, Carrick looks to show the same trust in Heaven as Amorim did.