Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick appears to have outlawed long throws despite a rise in their usage across the Premier League. The shift from top-tier sides to embrace the dead-ball approach has proved fruitful, with teams such as Arsenal and Brentford reaping the benefits.
However, the tactic hasn't won universal approval, as Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been amongst those to condemn the tactical shift at the highest level. 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 head coach, with their open-play attacking prowess limited, they netted 13 goals from dead-ball scenarios.
Only Arsenal have surpassed United's set-piece scoring capability (18) with five of United's strikes arriving under Carrick, but 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 took charge, they have mustered one. With sides throughout the Premier League embracing long throws to secure an advantage, United are defying the pattern which left opposing manager Slot frustrated.
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On set-pieces, Slot said 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.out 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 campaign and lost to United, under Amorim, courtesy of a Harry Maguire header from a free-kick.
Under Carrick, their fortunes have been transformed, with United progressing from outside the top four to being firmly in contention for Champions League qualification.
The Red Devils are amongst the clubs that seem destined to secure a return to elite European competition, with Liverpool and Chelsea currently outside the top four.
The 44-year-old has triumphed in seven of his opening 10 matches as caretaker manager of United, suffering defeat on just one occasion.
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