“He has refused to report to training ever since his transfer move was blocked on deadline day. I’ve informed the board that he’s no longer in my plans — before fans call me wicked.” — Michael Carrick reveals the ONE Manchester United player refusing to return to training after a failed move

Excitement is building at Old Trafford once more. Despite Michael Carrick’s brief tenure as Manchester United manager, the club’s atmosphere has already undergone a noticeable shift.

There’s a refreshed sense of optimism, heightened focus, and a subtle assurance that meaningful progress is underway.

Yet, as United face their upcoming crucial challenge, a persistent problem risks dampening the positivity — an eight-game stretch without victory against Tottenham Hotspur that has become a mental weight for both squad and supporters.

This troubling sequence against Spurs has persisted through three different managerial eras, suggesting it’s beyond mere chance. It has developed into what numerous fans now call a “jinx,” one that has continuously frustrated United at vital junctures.

From devastating league losses to last term’s crushing Europa League final defeat, Tottenham have regularly managed to prevent United from achieving their goals.

Even this season, a turbulent 2–2 stalemate reinforced how challenging this matchup has proven.

Nevertheless, Michael Carrick insists the pattern is about to change.

The ex-United player — who also had a spell at Tottenham during his career — claims to have identified the underlying cause of United’s difficulties.

Instead of questioning talent or commitment, Carrick has allegedly isolated a more profound tactical and mental weakness that has plagued the side for years.

Reports from Carrington indicate Carrick recently conducted a comprehensive and candidly critical team meeting. During it, he highlighted that United’s setbacks against Spurs stemmed from “spatial deference” rather than inadequacy.

Put simply, United have been overly passive, permitting Tottenham to control transitions and take advantage of pitch areas where United consistently lose authority.

Carrick apparently informed his players that United have been guilty of fearing Tottenham’s stature instead of breaking down their system.

Using his direct experience of Spurs’ organizational culture and tactical approaches, he claims to understand precisely where their framework collapses under duress.

His recommended approach is being characterized within the club as brilliant. The strategy apparently centers on modifying the pressing duties of Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes, especially when Tottenham try building through central areas.

Carrick has spotted what staff members term “vulnerable zones” — spaces Spurs depend on to reorganize during transitions — and has crafted a pressing scheme designed to stifle their flow and induce mistakes in threatening areas.

By disrupting Spurs’ central partnership and targeting their slow defensive repositioning, Carrick thinks United can finally dominate this fixture rather than react to it.

It represents an ambitious tactical adjustment, based on analysis rather than hesitancy, and demonstrates Carrick’s emerging authority as a manager who prioritizes possession, intelligence, and precision.

The importance couldn’t be greater. United presently occupy fourth place in the Premier League and maintain a perfect run since Carrick assumed control, winning all three fixtures.

Defeating Tottenham would not only break the unwanted sequence but also firmly position United as genuine challengers for Champions League qualification. Ending this jinx would signify more than points — it would mark a mental turning point.

Squad updates, meanwhile, bring both positive and negative news. Benjamin Šeško is completely healthy and overflowing with assurance after netting a crucial late goal against Fulham.

Joshua Zirkzee has rejoined full sessions and provides a useful attacking option, while Mason Mount is anticipated to feature despite a recent slight injury.

The significant setback is Patrick Dorgu’s unavailability, whose hamstring problem sidelines him when his contributions had been essential.

Even so, conviction is mounting that Carrick’s understanding, paired with United’s restored energy, could finally eliminate the Spurs obstacle.

If his tactical approach succeeds during the game, this encounter might be recalled as the evening Manchester United genuinely moved forward — and ended a hex that has persisted far too long.