Michael Carrick appears to introduce Man Utd ban after Arne Slot's 'do not like it' rant

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Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick appears to have banned long throws despite a surge in popularity within the Premier League . The move from top-flight clubs to adopt the dead-ball tactic has been a success, with clubs such as Arsenal and Brentford earning rewards.

But the move hasn't been universally popular, as Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has been among those to criticise the change in tact at the elite level. The Athletic has reported that the Red Devils' danger from set-pieces has diminished since the Englishman replaced Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.

Under the Portuguese, with their open-play attacking threat low, they scored 13 goals from dead-ball situations. Only Arsenal have bettered United's goalscoring ability from set-pieces (18) with five of United's efforts coming under Carrick, but the threat has dropped per game on the basis that they're attempting significantly fewer shots under the former Middlesbrough boss.

Diogo Dalot was the one armed with the long-throw weapon under Amorim, which prompted 13 shots, but since Carrick took over, they have managed one. With clubs up and down the Premier League adopting long throws to gain an edge, United are bucking the trend which left rival manager Slot angered.

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 worst records defending set-pieces earlier in the season and lost to United, under Amorim, to a Harry Maguire header from a free-kick. Under the former midfielder, their fortunes have transformed, with United going from outside of the top four to being in the driving seat for Champions League qualification.

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The Red Devils are one of the clubs that appear to be set on returning to the elite European competition with Liverpool and Chelsea outside the top four.

The 44-year-old has won seven of his first 10 matches in caretaker charge of United, losing just once.

With seven games to go in the Premier League, United have a six-point cushion over fifth-placed Liverpool and are one point clear of Aston Villa , who sit fourth. They return to action when they face Leeds United on April 13 at 8pm.