Man United seem to have new ban as Michael Carrick moves away from Ruben Amorim and Arsenal

Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick appears to have moved away from long-throw tactics despite their Premier League popularity

Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick appears to have outlawed long throws despite a rise throughout the Premier League.

Latest figures suggest that Carrick's influence is separating the club from former manager Ruben Amorim as the shift from top-tier sides to embrace the set-piece strategy continues, with clubs including Arsenal and Brentford reaping the benefits.

However, the approach hasn't won universal approval, as Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has been amongst those to condemn the tactical shift at the highest level. The Athletic has reported that the Red Devils' threat from set-pieces has declined since the Englishman succeeded Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.

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Under the Portuguese, with their open-play attacking prowess limited, they netted 13 goals from dead-ball scenarios.

Only Arsenal have surpassed United's set-piece goalscoring capability (18) with five of United's strikes arriving under Carrick, though the danger has reduced per match, given they're attempting considerably fewer efforts under the former Middlesbrough manager.

Diogo Dalot was the player entrusted with the long-throw arsenal under Amorim, which generated 13 attempts, but since Carrick assumed control, they have mustered one.

With sides throughout the Premier League embracing long throws to secure an advantage, United are defying the pattern which left rival manager Slot frustrated.

The Liverpool head coach said: "If I watch other leagues, I do not see as much emphasis on set pieces. In the Eredivisie, I see goals being disallowed and fouls on goalkeepers being given, and I think: 'Wow, what a big difference.'

"Here, you can almost hit a goalkeeper in the face, and the referee still says 'play on'. Do I like that? My heart as a former player does not like it.

"If you ask me, thinking about football, I think about the Barcelona team from 10, 15 years ago. Every Sunday you looked forward to watching them play.

"Most of the games I watch in the Premier League are not a pleasure for me, but they are interesting because they are very competitive."

Liverpool had one of the poorest records defending set-pieces earlier in the season and suffered defeat to United, under Amorim, due to a Harry Maguire header from a free-kick.

Under the ex-midfielder's guidance, their fortunes have dramatically improved, with United moving from outside the top four into pole position for Champions League qualification.

The Red Devils are among the clubs seemingly determined to secure a return to the premier European competition, with Liverpool and Chelsea currently outside the top four.

The 44-year-old has triumphed in seven of his initial 10 matches as interim manager of United, enduring defeat just once.

With seven fixtures remaining in the Premier League, United hold a six-point advantage over fifth-placed Liverpool and are a single point ahead of Aston Villa, who occupy fourth place. They resume action when they take on Leeds United on April 13 at 8pm.

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