Carrick’s in crisis as Bournemouth humiliates Manchester United at Old Trafford

Bournemouth ran riot at Old Trafford, piling more misery on Michael Carrick. (Image credits – CommonsWikipedia, License Details)

Manchester United’s crisis increased on Sunday as Bournemouth secured a massive 3-0 victory at Old Trafford, leaving Michael Carrick facing a mountain to climb and his side desperately looking for light at the end of the tunnel.

After a crushing 4-1 defeat to Como in midweek, United needed a response. Instead, they delivered another disjointed performance that exposed their defensive fragility, toothless attack and growing uncertainty around the manager’s approach.

Rayan opened the scoring in the 38th minute, left alone at the back post to convert Justin Kluivert’s free kick into a brilliant goal.

Just five minutes later, Leny Yoro slipped under pressure and allowed Adrien Truffert to set up Marcus Tavernier for a simple finish.

United went into the break with two goals down, and we're greeted by boos from the utterly disappointed home crowd.

Carrick’s decision to leave captain Bruno Fernandes on the bench made the fans even more furious.

The Manchester United skipper had slammed the team’s tactics following the Como defeat, which prompted the United boss to sideline him against the Cherries'.

They struggled to create anything despite having possession while Bournemouth repeatedly threatened in transition and exploited gaps in the United defence and could've easily scored more goals.

Evanilson scored one of the best goals of the Premier League this season in the 71st minute to make it 3-0 after beating Senne Lammens and finishing it from a very tight angle from a long-range effort, sealing all three points for the visitors.

The defeat leaves United with just seven points from their opening eight Premier League matches, their worst start at this stage since the 1986-87 season.

They've dropped to the 16th, and with even tougher fixtures coming up ahead, things could really go really worse.

Carrick’s situation is becoming increasingly difficult to defend, and it seems that his time at Old Trafford is now limited.

Injuries and individual errors are parts and parcel in the game, but they cannot excuse the repeated absence of a tactical identity. Bournemouth exposed a team short of confidence and clarity.

Unless Carrick finds a way to restore both quickly, his future at Man United will not last beyond November.