Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick believes wrestling at set-pieces in the Premier League is worse than ever despite clubs being told it was going to be stamped out.
The issue has become a hot topic with Arsenal, in particular, benefiting after scoring another two goals from corners in their 2-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday.
Asked about it ahead of United’s trip to Newcastle on Wednesday, Carrick said: ‘I think it’s gone too far. It wasn’t long ago where we were told that you couldn’t really lay a hand on anybody in the box and it was going to be stamped out and clamped down on. And it’s crept in, it’s gone stronger.
‘I think, obviously, the success of set-pieces, and corners in particular, probably in terms of being able to put so many bodies close together, has made more teams do it because the success rate is so high. So it’s understandable why there’s so many teams trying it and doing it.
‘But in terms of it as a game, it doesn’t feel that we’ve quite got that balance right. So I don’t know what is to do about it. It’s not for me to decide that, really. In the meantime, you’ve got to deal with what’s in front of you and if it’s allowed, then you’ve got to play to it.’
Arsenal’s win over Chelsea has reignited the debate over grappling at corners
United head to Tyneside with six wins and a draw since Carrick was installed as head coach until the end of the season as they look for another victory in their quest for Champions League qualification. Wednesday’s game follows Sunday’s 2-1 win at home to Crystal Palace, where the Reds needed to come from behind to claim the three points.
‘We’re not looking too far ahead in terms of the games and where we’re trying to get to,’ added Carrick. ‘I think it’s really important that we stay present, and keep our minds on the job.
‘Newcastle is an incredibly tough place to go to get a result. I’ve been there many times and I know it well, so we’re fully aware of that.
Michael Carrick says clubs were told wrestling would be stamped out – but it hasn’t been
‘We’re not looking too far ahead. We understand where we are. I think it was a good step for us at the weekend, it’ll obviously be a good boost that comes from that, whether that’s energy-wise, whether that’s confidence-wise, and just total belief from it. The boys have earned it, and we’ve got to try and make the most of it from now on in.’
Carrick, who is already without Mason Mount, Matthijs De Ligt and Patrick Dorgu, is keeping his fingers crossed that Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw recover in time to face Newcastle after both players went off against Palace due to illness.
‘We’re hoping so, we’re working towards it,’ he said. ‘They weren’t feeling too good, so we’ve still got a bit of time to the game and we’ll just have to see how they feel. We’ll obviously give them every chance.’
