'Important to be tactically flexible' - Manchester United defender Harry Maguire praises Michael Carrick’s versatility ahead of West Ham clash

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England international Harry Maguire has praised Michael Carrick’s tactical flexibility ahead of Manchester United's clash with West Ham. The Red Devils' interim manager has overseen four impressive Premier League victories in a row, with the most recent coming against relegation-threatened Tottenham last weekend. United will visit the London Stadium on Tuesday.

Highlights: Man Utd punish 10-man Spurs to claim fourth win in a row

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Harry Maguire has emphasised the importance of tactical flexibility after playing a key role in Michael Carrick’s superb start as interim manager of Manchester United.

The Red Devils have won four Premier League games in a row for the first time since February 2024 following Carrick’s appointment, beating Manchester City, league leaders Arsenal, Tottenham, and Fulham.

United will go head-to-head with struggling West Ham United live on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Tuesday evening.

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Maguire has been central to the success under Carrick, starting all four of the victories, and he believes that his side needs to be prepared to dominate football matches with and without the ball.

"I think we have got to be comfortable dominating with the ball, but also without the ball," the England international told TNT Sports.

"We always know we are going to be a threat on the counter-attack with our players.

‘Michael will bring that’ – Maguire on importance of being ‘tactically flexible’

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"Taking the lead against Manchester City, we were happy to soak up a little bit of pressure and be comfortable at defending our box.

"I think that is the main thing that has improved over the last three games. We have defended our box a lot better and with a lot more urgency.

"I have said it in a few interviews now, we defended our box nowhere near well enough.

"Every time the ball went in the box, they had a chance, but in the last three games there has been more urgency.

"Not just from the defenders, but from the midfielders, from the wide men getting back in and the striker protecting the edge of the box.

"I think it is so important that we do it as a team.

"We have got to make sure we get the spaces right all over the pitch.

"We have got to make sure we are compact.

"I’m sure when you [Owen Hargreaves] played under Sir Alex Ferguson, you went after some teams, and then you were happy in the mid-block, and you were happy defending low.

"I think Michael will bring that.

"I think it is important to be tactically flexible in that aspect."

Manchester United's last four-game winning run in the Premier League came when they beat Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Ham, Aston Villa and Luton Town between February 1 and February 18 in 2024.

Their recent good form has seen them climb above bitter rivals Liverpool and Chelsea in the table.

The Red Devils are currently fourth, one point ahead of Chelsea and five clear of Arne Slot’s side in sixth.

‘An amazing football brain’ – Maguire not surprised by Carrick success

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Maguire believes that Carrick’s knowledge of the club from his time as a player, and his work as a coach alongside former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, have helped ease the transition following Ruben Amorim’s departure.

"I think it [Carrick’s affiliation with Manchester United] has definitely made things easier," added Maguire.

"I obviously knew Carrick from working under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He spoke really well when he spoke in the dressing room back then.

"He took quite a few meetings, and tactically, he always had an amazing football brain.

"When he took the tactics under Ole, you could always tell that if he wanted to become a successful manager, he could do that."

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