Carrick reveals coaching staff change that has helped improve defence

Michael Carrick tells of a coaching staff change which has helped the Manchester United defence become a lot more solid.

Since the arrival of Carrick and his coaching team, United have improved dramatically with five wins and a draw so far and one key area has been in defence.

The team now looks a lot more solid which is partly due to a return to a back four but Carrick has also praised the coaches he has brought in to work with the defence.

Carrick has brought with him the extremely experienced Steve Holland and also Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans who were centre-halves and played at the highest level.

He said that the pair were "two of the best" central defenders over the past 25 years who have been able to pass on their experience.

Of his backroom staff he has spoken about how they have come together really well.

"There's a really strong group and it feels like we've known each other for a long time but I didn't really know Steve an awful lot, I thought it would come together nicely, balanced and there was a reason why I wanted to bring Steve in," said Carrick.

"Jonathan I knew from Middlesbrough, he knows me, pushes me, gets me, challenges me which I think is really important.

"Jonny (Evans) knew the club, been here for so long and he has a really good relationship with the players as well, loves helping, coaching and cares a lot."

He continued: "The academy is a really big part of the club and I think there is a balance between the responsibilities of the academy.

"Then Jonathan and Jonny being two of the best centre backs you could have come across in the past 25 years to pass their experience on.

"Steve with his experience in so many different ways - Chelsea with their changes of manager, different styles of managers and top players, England, and all the staff are able to cope with being around the environment and that's so important."

And focusing on the Travis Binnion who was head of the academy before being brought into the first team coaching staff by Carrick he added: "Then Travis, the club needs the academy, it's an important part of this football club, there are 259 players now who have made their debuts - Tyler Fletcher was the last one."