Ruben Amorim told fans they need to suffer to find success. Michael Carrick has reminded fans that there's a United way to do it all.

A year ago, Marcus Rashford was at Barcelona, Carrick had just been sacked by Championship side Middlesbrough and Ruben Amorim was preparing for his first full season in charge at Old Trafford. A year later, they all meet in the same place under totally different circumstances.

Rashford, Manchester United's prodigal son, has returned to new management, but for him it's not so new. He finds Carrick, United's new head coach and his former team-mate and captain, with his arms wide open, willing to offer him a chance to write another chapter in the story that began a decade ago in Manchester.

Amorim, on the other hand, was sacked five months into last season, took over at AC Milan this summer and is looking to end a winless pre-season with victory against his former employers. In many ways, Carrick's progress in the role, acted out with a steely stoicism, has contrasted with the drama that surrounded Amorim's spell at Old Trafford.

Rashford's return to the fold adds another layer of intrigue as Amorim felt he had to move him on after publicly questioning the England international's attitude on several occasions. United's pre-season meeting with AC Milan on Saturday feels less like a friendly and more like the continuation of a soap opera.

As such, the pre-season finale for both sides provides a perfect opportunity to reflect on the year and how United navigated their midseason recasting to kick-start a promising new era. Here are three things Carrick has changed since Amorim's dismissal...

From stubborn to flexible

Amorim's unwillingness to adapt was the indelible stain of his tenure at Old Trafford. Tasked with turning the tide of results at Old Trafford, the Portuguese installed a shape he knew and loved.

Amid scrutiny, Amorim famously told reporters that not even the Pope could convince him to change his 3-4-3, which eventually led to his downfall. As the squad's numbers were reduced for the Africa Cup of Nations, he couldn't find a solution to maintain results.

There were signs of some adaptation towards the end of his time in charge but Amorim ultimately reverted to type, which was the reported root of the angst between him and the United hierarchy.

There was friction between the direction Amorim was taking the team and what United fans wanted to see. Though United were among the free-scoring sides in the division in spells under Amorim, the three-at-the-back formation was a far cry from what fans were accustomed to and were willing to tolerate in the long term.

Similar issues are reportedly plaguing his early days in Milan. There have been suggestions of confusion in the camp, where players are being forced into positions to suit the system.

In Carrick's first game in charge, the blueprint was laid out, and it was more "Manchester United". Carrick used the occasion of a Manchester derby to allow the horses to run free at Old Trafford, devastating Manchester City with almost every attack. United's 2-0 win flattered their opponents, who left Old Trafford escaping a further drubbing.

United's front-foot style has continued into pre-season, with the intention being placed on moving the ball forward quickly. Summer recruit Andrey Santos has been keen to break the lines with forward passes and Bryan Mbeumo has thrived centrally, constantly running in behind and disturbing defences.

Bruno Fernandes was among the greatest beneficiaries of Carrick's arrival, moved to his favoured No 10 position where he would go on a creative run that saw him set a new assist record in the Premier League.

Under Carrick, question marks over United's style have disappeared.

Man Utd are a team of believers again

The mood at Old Trafford has changed and it's all started with the man at the top. Amorim's box-office outbursts, while entertaining, created a pessimistic atmosphere around the club. From talks of storms and suffering to being called the worst team in the club's history, Amorim's words rarely inspired confidence.

When Amorim was sacked, United were in touching distance of the top four, but at times under Amorim, you wouldn't be able to tell from his demeanour or the messages he relayed to fans. Carrick got United over the line to secure a Champions League spot that Amorim had previously said his side were not ready for.

Ahead of the new season, there's a great deal of optimism. Leny Yoro and Mbeumo have spoken of their desire to win the league this season, and Carrick has embraced his squad's dreams.

Carrick believes his side have the potential to do something special this season, a year after the previous management had United teetering on the brink of a relegation scrap.

The offer of redemption

There was a feeling once you crossed the line or found yourself out of favour, your race was run at United under Amorim. It's an admirable stance to take as a manager, especially after the squad's character had been under scrutiny for years.

Alejandro Garnacho felt the brunt of this, while Kobbie Mainoo looked like he would follow suit and Rashford had two loans away after his position in the squad became untenable.

Amorim will feel he was proven right in his decision on Garnacho, who, after an underwhelming spell at Chelsea, finds himself on loan at Aston Villa. However, his treatment of Mainoo has proved to be questionable. The midfielder went on to be a mainstay in Carrick's team and, despite not starting a league game until January, was nominated for PFA Young Player of the Year.

The jury is still out on Rashford. His ability to impact the United team in terms of his quality was never in question. Amorim took umbrage with Rashford's general conduct, so impressive flashes at Villa and a LaLiga-winning campaign at Barcelona will need to be backed up by a willingness to match the culture that now exists within the club, should he stay beyond September's deadline.

However, Carrick has opened up the opportunity for Rashford to return when his United career seemed over. Whether it works remains to be seen, but Carrick seems intent on second chances, owing to his man-management.