- Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick has stated that jostling and grappling during set-pieces in the Premier League has "gone too far".
- The current season has seen a notable increase in goals scored from set-pieces, already exceeding the total for the entire 2024-25 campaign.
- This trend has drawn concern from other coaches, with Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler accusing Arsenal of time-wasting and Liverpool's Arne Slot suggesting it diminishes the "joy" of top-flight games.
- Carrick acknowledged that while the issue needs addressing, teams must adapt to the current rules if such tactics are permitted.
- The International Football Association Board (Ifab) has recognised the issue of grappling at corners but has not specifically discussed it, though new rules for throw-ins and goal-kicks are being introduced.
IN FULL
Michael Carrick says Premier League set-piece tactics have ‘gone too far’