Manchester United have reportedly introduced a significant new approach under Michael Carrick, marking a complete departure from what had been standard practice during the reigns of former managers Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.

According to the Daily Mail, United’s youth teams are now copying the tactical setup and formation used by Carrick and his coaching staff with the first team.

“Under Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, the decision was taken that youth teams did not need to play in the same game model as the first team.”

“It meant that players were not as adept at making the step up, either in first-team training sessions or in attempts to break into the senior squad.”

As the report notes, this season has brought a clear resemblance between Carrick’s senior side and the club’s youth teams in the way they play.

Adam Lawrence’s Under-21s have moved away from their usual 4-3-3 system and adopted the 4-2-3-1 shape that Carrick frequently prefers.

Further underlining the similarities, both Carrick’s first team and the youth sides are now playing with a false nine.

It remains unclear how long this method will stay in place, but it appears highly likely that United have approved the switch to make the pathway smoother for young players moving up to the senior side.

At the same time, United are preparing for an important few days as they look to move on from their uneven start to the season.

After being held to a painful 2-2 draw by Everton at the weekend, United will be eager to return to winning form when they begin their Champions League campaign against Sabah on Thursday.

A victory over the Azerbaijani club would hand United the ideal start, and Carrick will no doubt be fully aware of its importance.

Focus will then turn quickly to Sunday’s Manchester Derby.