Instead of support: Oliver Holt questions United’s backing of Carrick

Michael Carrick’s Manchester United were left exposed after a 2‑0 defeat to promoted Hull City at the Humberside Stadium, prompting Oliver Holt, chief sports writer, to question why United’s hierarchy failed to back the manager fully this summer in the early season.

Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic likened the ease of his goalkeeper’s role to “drinking a cup of afternoon tea”, a comment that underscored the stark contrast with United’s frazzled defence.

Damning analysis of United’s start

Among the many critiques of the updated United side, the most damning assessment came after the loss on Humberside, describing the team as “outmuscled in defence, overrun in midfield and as meek as mewling kittens in attack”.

The article, published on 24 August, notes that United entered the season with momentum from a third‑place finish and Champions League qualification, yet that promise has already evaporated.

Summer signings under scrutiny

United’s summer window delivered Carlos Baleba for around £70million, a player of “rich potential” whose progress stalled at Brighton, while departures such as Casemiro to Major League Soccer left a void in midfield.

“Come on, that’s ridiculous,” Carrick snapped at Jan Aage Fjortoft when the former forward suggested United lacked Hull’s passion, highlighting the manager’s frustration with the squad’s quality.

Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, along with Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, now face criticism for a transfer policy that appears “flawed”, as United continue to feed off scraps rather than marquee signings.

The unresolved question remains whether United’s hierarchy will finally back Carrick with the decisive support he needs, or if the club will persist in a summer of missed opportunities.