Gloomy Old Trafford looms as United face Carrick’s uncertain future

Manchester United’s 4‑1 loss to Como on Wednesday has left the Red Devils on a seven‑match winless run, intensified by bleak skies over Trafford and mounting doubts over Michael Carrick’s tenure, while Lisandro Martinez and several teammates endured brutal 2/10 ratings.

The defeat, suffered under a grey Old Trafford sky, marked United’s seventh game without a win and underscored a campaign that has already seen the club concede ten league goals. It also amplified scrutiny of the technical staff after captain Bruno Fernandes publicly questioned Carrick’s tactics in a post‑match interview.

Only five months after being handed the permanent role, Carrick now faces the sack, a prospect amplified by Fernandes’ outburst and by Lisandro Martinez’s earlier criticism of technical director Jason Wilcox following a 2‑0 loss to Atletico Madrid.

Defensive woes

United’s back line has struggled to find stability. Martinez scored an own goal against Fulham and later erred to allow Dominic Solanke’s equaliser for Spurs, while his contract expires at season’s end. New signing Noussair Mazraoui has not adapted to Ruben Amorim’s 3‑4‑3 system, and Harry Maguire, despite a strong finish last season, has failed to halt the flow of goals.

Diogo Dalot has created more chances than any other defender but has been forced into unfamiliar roles, and Luke Shaw’s recurring injuries have left Carrick with a selection dilemma, especially after the club failed to recruit an additional left‑back. Young centre‑back Ayden Heaven, only 20, was deployed at left‑back against Atletico and remains unready for regular Premier League action. Leny Yoro, who covered right‑back in that match, was controversially sent off and has yet to prove himself in his preferred position.

Rooney condemns United’s squad choices after heavy defeat to Como

Midfield mayhem

The summer’s costly midfield overhaul has yet to deliver. Brazilian Andrey Santos, touted as a £50m player, appears far from that valuation, offering little protection for the defence. Belgian Youri Tielemans, signed from Aston Villa, has struggled with mobility despite logging the second‑most minutes after Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandes, who recorded a hat‑trick and assist against Ipswich, has managed only one goal contribution this season. Mason Mount, now in his third year, has started just 25 league games, while £70m signing Carlos Baleba impressed off the bench against Spurs and against Leeds but remains not fully match‑fit. Kobbie Mainoo has emerged as a standout, and Shea Lacey, who scored on his full debut versus Brighton in the Carabao Cup, has been under‑used.

Attacking struggles

United’s attack has produced just ten league goals, a tally surpassed by six other Premier League clubs. Bryan Mbeumo leads the scoring charts with four goals, yet many chances have been wasted. Matheus Cunha has contributed sporadically, but overall the forward line has failed to provide the firepower needed to lift the team.

All is far from well at United. With Carrick’s position hanging in the balance, defensive frailties exposed, and midfield and attack underperforming, the Red Devils face a crucial period that will determine whether they can reverse the slide before the season’s end.