Michael Carrick is under increasing scrutiny as Manchester United struggle through one of their poorest starts to a Premier League season in decades. The club has managed just six points from its first six league matches, marking its worst opening since the 1986-87 season. This disappointing run has put significant pressure on Carrick, who was appointed permanent manager earlier this year after a promising interim spell.
United’s recent league form has been highlighted by a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur, despite Spurs playing the majority of the match with only 10 men following an early sending-off. Tottenham secured a late equaliser, adding to the mounting frustration among United supporters and officials alike.
The challenges deepened in European competition when Manchester United suffered a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday. Pablo Barrios scored within the first minute, setting the tone for the match. Compounding United’s problems, defender Leny Yoro was sent off during the game, and substitute Ademola Lookman sealed Atletico’s victory with a late goal. This loss extended United’s winless streak to five matches across all competitions.
Carrick, who made over 300 appearances for United as a player, initially earned his permanent managerial role after taking over in January 2026 following Ruben Amorim’s departure. At that time, he had successfully guided the team to a third-place Premier League finish, reviving optimism at Old Trafford and strengthening his case for the full-time position. However, sustaining that momentum has proven difficult, and the current run of poor results is raising questions about his ability to reverse the club’s fortunes.
Looking ahead, Carrick faces a critical test this Sunday when Manchester United visits Elland Road to take on local rivals Leeds United. This fixture carries significant emotional weight for supporters on both sides and presents an opportunity for United to respond positively after a difficult period. However, even a victory in this rivalry game may only provide temporary relief, as the team faces a congested and challenging schedule in the coming weeks.
The coming days will be crucial for Carrick as he seeks to stabilize results and convince the club’s hierarchy and fans that he remains the right choice to lead Manchester United forward.