Four things noticed from Michael Carrick’s first Man Utd training session

Following the resignation of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick must prepare his Manchester United players for two crucial matches in the space of five days.

The new interim manager faces Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday night before traveling to Chelsea this weekend. He has no idea how long he’ll be in charge.

Carrick was a member of Solskjaer’s staff, so he’s already acquainted with the players.

Because the Norwegian was unable to get the finest performance from the United stars, the spotlight will now be focused on Carrick, a former United player

His list of problems is far from short, and United’s best starting XI is still up for debate.

Donny van de Beek and Jesse Lingard, who were previously overlooked for selection, could now be called upon.

We examine United’s training session for any hints as to what will happen next.

Anyone might have sat next to Carrick to preview the Villarreal match, but Harry Maguire’s presence may be telling.

For weeks, the centre-back has been out of sorts and has received more than his fair share of criticism. This season, he has been a member of a defense that has let up 21 goals in 12 league games.

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Maguire was Solskjaer’s first major signing, but he couldn’t stop him from being fired. As captain, the England star will now have to demonstrate what he and the squad are made of during what will undoubtedly be a defining era with many unresolved questions.

Van De Beek is another player who could benefit from taking the lead. The Dutchman, who was seen leading United players in training from the front, could be given an opportunity under Carrick.

For many at United, he appears to be an afterthought. Jones has been out for a long time due to injury, but he could be close to returning.

Carrick already has four centre-halves to chose from in Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane, and Eric Bailly.

Jones, on the other hand, is ready for a comeback to the first team, and injuries and bans could help him.The Champions League match may come too soon, but Maguire and Varane are also out of the Chelsea match this weekend, which could force Carrick to reconsider his options.

Recently, a back five has been deployed, which should help Jones’ prospects of getting more playing time.

The return of the Portuguese star was greeted with great anticipation, but it has yet to materialize on the field.

Ronaldo has scored a number of game-winning goals, but integrating him into a system has proven difficult.

Carrick is now Solskjaer’s concern, but it would be surprising if the No 7 didn’t start.

Ronaldo trained without a bib, which is potentially something of nothing. In what would have been a small-sided game, all of his teammates now wore pink, beige, or black bibs.

Ronaldo, on the other hand, appeared to be the free man, which allowed him to receive more touches on the ball.

Carrick, 36, has often looked to run in behind as he’s progressed as a player, but it’s possible that he wants to play a more possession-based style that will see his striker on the ball more frequently.

Given his short tenure in the post, Carrick could be forgiven for wanting to keep his distance in training.

But the former United midfielder had one-on-one talks with players like De Gea as he tries to instill some confidence in the team.