Will Manchester United's resurgence under Michael Carrick last?

Manchester United are flying under interim manager Michael Carrick, who took over after the sacking of Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils have enjoyed a 100% start under Carrick, with wins over Manchester City, Arsenal, and Fulham.

United's success can be attributed to several factors, with key players coming into form at the right moment in the season, as well as a system change working in the Red Devils favor.

With three wins out of three for Carrick, fans have been left wondering if Carrick is the right man to bring United back to the glory days, or if the upturn in form is just a fluke. The Captain's Armband analyzes the club's recent form and whether it can last.

Which players are stepping up under Carrick?

Several players fell out of favor under Amorim, but Carrick has brought back a fan favorite in Kobbie Mainoo.

Mainoo, who was pushing for a move in the summer transfer window, has started all three games under Carrick after having zero Premier League starts this season under Amorim.

The young English midfielder has been crucial under the interim manager, with Casemiro also providing a spark in midfield. Mainoo played 90 minutes against Fulham and won 6 duals during the match.

Casemiro has also proven that he can be influential despite being 34 years old. The Brazilian opened the scoring for United before assisting Matheus Cunha with a no-look pass for the second goal of the night.

The 34-year-old revealed in January that he would be leaving the club when his contract expires in the summer, but he has come up big several times this season for United. Casemiro has five goals and two assists this season, with only Bryan Mbeumo and Cunha having more goals for United.

Cunha has also stepped up under Carrick, with a goal off the bench against Arsenal and a goal against Fulham. The Brazilian has been given freedom to roam the pitch, allowing him to move freely from left to right when space opens up.

Getting Mbeumo and Amad Diallo back from the African Cup of Nations has also seemed to help United. Both players are lively attackers, but Amad's work rate to get back on defense was on highlight against Fulham at the weekend.

Amad had ten defensive contributions against Fulham, along with five ball recoveries. He also led all players with three successful dribbles throughout the game.

How has the system change helped United?

Old Trafford seems buoyant again under Carrick, with fans enjoying the style of play from United.

United are playing much more threatening football, with eight goals already scored in three games. Carrick has used Patrick Dorgu in a more attacking role, although the Dane has suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him sidelined for some time.

Carrick previously coached Middlesbrough, where his team was phenomenal in front of goal. Middlesbrough scored 66 goals in Carrick's first 30 games in charge of the club.

Carrick has employed a 4-2-3-1, which is a change from the 3-4-3 that Amorim used. Carrick's formation often changes to a 3-2-5 in possession, which allows for more attacking players to come forward.

Carrick has simplified United's play, with players knowing their roles rather than performing overly complicated tactical play, which was a style of Amorim's play.

The Englishman's previous spells as manager have shown that his teams play quick passing football, with the players working the ball from side to side until a lane opens up to move forward with the attack.

Carrick has also employed a stronger midfield in his prior tenures, which is something that United lacked under Amorim. The combination of Casemiro and Mainoo has worked under Carrick thus far, with Bruno Fernandes also coming back defensively and other wide players stepping in when needed.

Can Carrick keep United's upward momentum going?

With the fixtures that United have in the coming weeks, it looks as if United could keep their current form going.

February 7th will see United take on Tottenham Hotspur, who have been struggling under Thomas Frank. Tottenham did come back from a two-goal deficit against Manchester City, but their lack of consistency bodes well for United.

United will play West Ham three days later on the 10th, with the Hammers currently sitting 18th in the league.

Action for United will pause for almost two weeks before Carrick's side takes on Everton, who have one win, one loss, and three draws in their last five Premier League matches. The Toffees are also without one of their best players, with Jack Grealish out for an extended period of time with an injury.