Manchester United boss Michael Carrick believes the grappling between attackers and defenders before corners in the Premier League has “gone too far”. The issue of pushing and pulling before deliveries has become a prevalent feature in top-flight matches this term. This includes during United’s recent win at Everton, when Senne Lammens overcame a congested six-yard area.
The topic was raised again after the weekend’s fixtures. It has become a talking point at Premier League managers’ press conferences ahead of the midweek games.
Carrick’s View on Grappling
“I think it’s gone too far,” the former United midfielder said during a media briefing to preview Wednesday’s trip to Newcastle United.
“I think it wasn’t long ago where you were kind of told you couldn’t really lay a hand on anybody in the box, and it was going to be stamped out and clamped down on.
“It’s crept in, it’s gone stronger. The success of set-pieces, at corners in particular, being able to put so many bodies close together, has made more teams do it because the success-rate is so high.
“It’s understandable why there are so many teams trying it and doing it, but, in terms of the game, it doesn’t feel like we’ve kind of got that balance right.
“I don’t know what there is to do about it – it’s not for me to decide that, really. But, in the meantime, you’ve got to deal with what’s in front of you and, if it’s allowed, you’ve got to play to it.”
Set-Piece Success in the Premier League
Carrick references the success at set-pieces, particularly corners, as a reason for the growth in grappling in the league this season. Data suggests the Premier League has the highest number of set-piece goals across Europe’s top five leagues so far in 2025/26, with 215 of the 783 total efforts coming from dead-ball situations (27.5 per cent).
The percentage is higher than that of Ligue 1 (France), the Bundesliga (Germany), Serie A (Italy) and La Liga (Spain). It is also the division’s second-highest rate since 2009/10, underlining the Premier League’s set-piece trend this term.
- The Premier League has the highest number of set-piece goals across Europe’s top five leagues so far in 2025/26.
- 215 of the 783 total efforts have come from dead-ball situations (27.5 per cent).
- United have scored eight times from corners so far this top-flight campaign.
United have scored eight times from corners so far in this top-flight campaign, a tally that ranks them joint-fifth in this regard, alongside upcoming opponents Newcastle. League leaders Arsenal are first, having found the net on 16 occasions in this manner, including both goals in their 2-1 win against Chelsea on Sunday.
Michael Carrick also discussed the fitness of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.