Did Manchester United Improve Under Michael Carrick, Really?

Did Manchester United Improve Under Michael Carrick, Really?

Author: Mike Goodman and Michael Caley May 5, 2026 Duration: 39:37
Manchester United have had an undoubtedly successful season, qualifying for the Champions League with underlying numbers perfectly in line with that position. But their results shifted markedly when they sacked Ruben Amorim and brought in Michael Carrick. Was this a major driver of their results or a mirage of finishing? We discuss the real tactical changes under Carrick and how they show up in the numbers, why Kobbie Mainoo is the key player in this tactical shift, some notable differences i...

The Double Pivot: Soccer analysis, analytics, and commentary is where hosts Mike Goodman and Michael Caley break down the beautiful game with a blend of sharp tactical observation and a deep respect for the numbers. This isn't just a recap of who won; it's a conversation about how and why. Each episode digs into the mechanisms of modern soccer, from the strategic choices that define a manager's philosophy to the underlying data that reveals what the naked eye might miss. You'll hear thoughtful discussions on team shape, pressing triggers, and the value of different chance creation methods, all grounded in the hosts' analytical expertise. Goodman and Caley have a knack for making complex concepts accessible, whether they're examining a top-tier Premier League clash or highlighting intriguing patterns in a less-heralded league. Their commentary avoids easy narratives, instead offering a more nuanced and evidence-informed perspective on the week's biggest stories and most compelling matches. For anyone who wants to move beyond the standard punditry and understand the deeper layers of strategy and performance, this podcast provides a consistently engaging and insightful listen. Tune in for a smarter take on the global game.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Double Pivot: Soccer analysis, analytics, and commentary
Podcast Episodes
Thomas Frank [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:51
Tottenham are hiring Brentford's manager to replace Ange Postecoglou. Frank has been adaptable in his career with a few consistent tendencies, and we've got some takes. Support the show
Man City Summer, First Takes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:04
Manchester City appear to be moving in the June window, with transfers for Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait Nouri advancing, rumors around Tijjani Reijnders and Tino Livramento hanging around, and we look at a very strange sea…
Premier League Team of the Season Draft [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:16
We're playing team of the season but with a twist. We each have to draft a separate, reasonably coherent XI of the players who were the best and the most productive in the Premier League in the last season. Did we pick y…
Liverpool Summer Preview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:32
It starts with the fullbacks. It appears very likely that with Trent leaving, Liverpool will sign both Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. Both good players at good prices, but neither can replace the ball progression and…
Xabi Alonso and Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:15
Real Madrid are reportedly making two major changes, dropping Carlo Ancelotti for Xabi Alonso and bringing in Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold as a right sided defender and ludicrous passer. We discuss how all of this…
Inter - Barcelona Does It Again [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:51
The second leg was somehow even better than the first. We talk the stats and tactics from an incredible match, what we've learned about Hansi Flick and Barcelona this season, sing the praises of Inter Milan and Inzaghi,…
Mailbag: Theoretical Goals, Expected Points [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:01
We take a mailbag question on the math of goal difference, projecting points from goals, and what it tells us about the game of soccer. This one is for the nerds. Support the show
Champions League Semi-Finals Preview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:27
Four big teams, two big games, Arsenal vs PSG, Barcelona vs Inter, it's a soccer analytics podcast. Support the show
The Cybernetics of Football with Dan Davies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:20
We are joined by Dan Davies, author of the fantastic new book The Unaccountability Machine, to talk about the book and the new ways of thinking about business and capitalism that he introduces, and then to discuss how th…
Champions League Quarterfinals (Plus Lamine Yamal Talk) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:52
We break down Arsenal's big win, Real Madrid's toothlessness, Inter's away result, and why we continue to see PSG and Barcelona as the best remaining teams in the tournament, probably the best teams in the entire world.…