MICHAEL CARRICK feels the wrestling during Premier League corners has “gone too far”.
The Great Set Piece debate hit new heights over the weekend after all three goals during Arsenal’s win over Chelsea came through chaotic corners.
Set pieces have the centre of attention for a number of months now with Arne Slot and Pep Guardiola weighing in on Arsenal, whose corner routines have been widely successful but bashed by fans.
Carrick was asked for his take in a press conference on Tuesday afternoon before he headed for the team bus to Newcastle.
The unbeaten United head coach said at Carrington: “I think it’s gone too far.
“It wasn’t long ago we were told you couldn’t lay a hand on anyone in the box and we were told it would be clamped down.
“It’s crept in, the success of corners and being able to put bodies close together has made more teams do it.
“It’s understandable why there are so many teams doing it and trying it.
“As a game, it doesn’t feel like we’ve got that balance right. I don’t know what to do about it, it’s not for me to decide.”
United goalkeeper Senne Lammens was credited last week for how he dealt with several grappling corner routines at Everton as United were defending their narrow 1-0 lead.
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While Arsenal get the flak, it is actually Liverpool – with seven from their last nine – who are running hot from set pieces and throw-ins as the season reaches its defining point.
Yet even Anfield boss Slot said: “My football heart do. Most of the games I see in the Premier League are not for me a joy to watch. You just have to accept it.”
Meanwhile, United make the trip to St James’ Park on Wednesday evening as Carrick aims to bolster his chances of becoming the permanent manager by securing Champions League football.
And the 44-year-old said he remains “hopeful” that Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire will be available for Wednesday’s clash at St James’ Park.
Both were subbed off in the win over Crystal Palace on Sunday after feeling ill before the game.
Both Shaw, who was replaced by Noussair Mazraoui before half-an-hour and Maguire, who came off with five minutes to go, went straight to the dressing rooms accompanied by United physios.
Matthijs de Ligt remains out with a back injury, but Lisandro Martinez could return to the squad after sustaining a minor calf problem last month,
