Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is under pressure to address the team's inconsistent start to the season, particularly concerning their defensive record and midfield balance. The club has secured four points from their opening three fixtures, a start Carrick described as "not that bad," but one that falls short of expectations given the opponents faced.
The team's defensive frailties were evident in their recent 2-2 draw against Everton, where a late equalizer denied them victory. Manchester United has conceded two or more goals in each of their first three league matches, a statistic not seen in the opening games of a season since 2020.
Defensive Concerns Amidst Rebuild
Carrick acknowledged the defensive issues, stating, "We need to concede less goals to give us a better chance of winning games, but we'll certainly look at that and keep improving." The defensive unit, which includes players like Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, and Diogo Dalot, is perceived as not performing cohesively as a team. The club's transfer strategy focused on rebuilding the midfield this summer, with additions like Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos, and Youri Tielemans, after bolstering the attack in the previous window. A defensive overhaul is anticipated next summer.
Midfield Quandary and Upcoming Challenges
The midfield selection presents another challenge for Carrick. With significant investment of £155 million in new midfield players, finding the optimal combination remains a work in progress. Carlos Baleba is expected to be available after the international break, while Andrey Santos has been utilized as a substitute. Carrick has often opted for a pivot of Mainoo and Tielemans, with Mason Mount also returning from injury. The need to establish a stable and effective midfield is intensified by upcoming fixtures.
Manchester United is set to compete in the Champions League against Sabah on Thursday, followed by a derby match against Manchester City at Old Trafford at the weekend. The team's performance in these crucial games will be closely watched, especially given the looming international break. Carrick, who guided United to a third-place finish after taking over in January, faces the immediate task of finding the right balance to navigate these challenging fixtures and maintain the team's progress.