Michael Carrick the answer for clueless Jose Mourinho

Midfielder's reading of the game will allow Pogba to exercise his attacking prowess to the best of his ability

LONDON: What a difference a year makes!

This time last season, Chelsea were imploding — a team that won the league a mere seven months ago became infected with a mutinous disease against their manager Jose Mourinho.

'The players deserve this performance and this win.’

Antonio Conte speaking after today's game... https://t.co/9D4YRnaUUA pic.twitter.com/ZKrMGieFVJ

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 23, 2016

Fast forward a year and that same team (8 of the 11 players who started the game were on Chelsea’s books during Mourinho’s second stint as manager) swept aside a Manchester United side who have had very little to shout about this season, despite the appointment of the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’.

It could be argued that Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge may have fuelled Chelsea players’ desire to prove a point to their former manager; certainly, Eden Hazard’s masterclass on Sunday was less evident in the Portuguese’s final days as Chelsea boss.

What a win! We'll be hearing from Antonio Conte shortly... pic.twitter.com/C80ieSieSA

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 23, 2016

However, nothing can forgive the lack of competition on offer at Stamford Bridge from a United team which has experienced significant financial outlay over the summer. Marquee signings Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba have failed to fire despite the (at times cringe-worthy) fanfare that accompanied their arrival. Indeed, the defeat against Chelsea on the weekend was Ibrahimovic’s biggest defeat since 2000 — it was Pogba’s biggest defeat ever.

Essentially, Mourinho does not know how to get the most out of his star players. The midfield is unbalanced and there is a growing sense of discontent amongst the United faithful. His reputation is fast going from ‘The Special One’ to ‘The Clueless One’.

Juan Mata tells #MUTVHD United will focus on the next game and praises the #MUFC support at Stamford Bridge. https://t.co/CV5zpM5XZD

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 23, 2016

The introduction of Michael Carrick into the United engine room could be the key to reviving United’s and Mourinho’s fortunes this season — that is, if the Portuguese gives Carrick the opportunity.

When Carrick has been called upon so far this season in the EFL Cup and the Europa League, his reading of the game has allowed Pogba the chance to exercise his attacking prowess to the best of his ability. United’s thrashing of Fenerbahce in midweek is the best example of this — Pogba bagged two goals and looked so much more menacing with the metronomic Carrick alongside him in midfield, as opposed to the statuesque Fellaini.

"I am Manchester United 100 per cent."

A heartfelt message from the boss... #MUFC https://t.co/36pbkcIjlo

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 23, 2016

Indeed, the reason Pogba excelled at Juventus was arguably down to the passing ability of Andrea Pirlo — Pogba had licence to get forward in that team and did so to great effect, as he simply knew that the ball would be coming his way via the Italian. Carrick may not be on Pirlo’s level, but he is certainly a very similar player.

By unleashing this version of Pogba, it would no doubt help a struggling Ibrahimovic dramatically, giving the Swede another runner beyond him this time from the middle of the pitch as opposed to from the wings.

"We must remain strong and keep going."

Juan Mata's latest blog: https://t.co/Ur1omwDQlY #MUFC pic.twitter.com/88C8nOSIhY

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 24, 2016

Ultimately, it is down to Mourinho to place his faith in Carrick in the Premier League. If he chooses to do so sooner rather than later, it may give him a chance to resurrect United’s season.