Carrick says most 'satisfying' sign so far since taking over at Man Utd

Michael Carrick says what has been the most "satisfying" sign that he has seen so far since taking over at Manchester United.

The former United midfielder has made an excellent start to life in the United dugout with four wins and a draw so far.

And he could hardly have got off to a better start than with wins over Manchester City and Arsenal.

There had been plenty of criticism of Ruben Amorim's system with three at the back and now the players look a lot more comfortable in their roles in generally a 4-4-1-1 formation and a license to get forward.

And when asked about whether it was a bonus to face City first, Carrick feels it depends on the result.

"You could say that now," he said, as clearly a defeat in the derby would have put a lot of pressure on him.

"I think the fact they were too massive games, City at home and I have to say the atmosphere was pretty special on the day."

While Carrick believes that the "connection" he has had is the most "satisfying" element for him so far with everyone getting behind the team.

He continued: "Even in the build up to the game you could feel it in and around the stadium before kick off, it is impossible to describe how much that helps, but to feel that between everyone.

"It is a real special feeling for me to be in the position to be able to share that with so many people and that is probably the most satisfying thing so far is getting that connection and feeling that emotion from everyone in such a positive way."

Next up for Carrick's United is an away game at Everton on Monday. The 13-day break has given midfielder Mason Mount a possibility of being fit following an unspecified knock.

He has not featured since the derby win over City and the manager said on Friday: “We have been patient with him.

“We don’t want to push anything. He’s an important part of the group, and we want him back and fit, and he’ll have a big impact for us. So he’s getting closer.”

Carrick said De Ligt was a “little bit behind” Mount in his recovery from a back problem. While Dorgu remains sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained in the win over Arsenal.