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Manchester United’s new ‘season of struggles’: Is Michael Carrick's tactics at fault?
Manchester United’s problems under Michael Carrick have extended far beyond their humiliating 4-1 Champions League defeat to European debutants Como.
Seven consecutive games without a win have exposed several weaknesses in the Red Devils’ pressing structure, defensive organisation, ability to score goals and squad depth for the European nights, raising serious questions about whether last season’s top four finish was just a fluke.
United’s most immediate problem is their lack of intensity without the ball.
As per Opta, they have been outrun by opposition teams in six of their seven Premier League matches this season.
Carrick’s preference for a more defensive block has frequently allowed opponents too much possession and time to build up from the back.
Against Como, Bruno Fernandes argued that United’s decision not to press man-to-man made it easier for the Italian side to dictate the tempo of the game and dominate with the ball.
Cesc Fabregas' side completed 594 passes, the highest total against United in a Champions League match since Barcelona recorded 725 in 2019.
Manchester United’s defence has also been a huge concern.
The Red Devils are yet to register a clean sheet this season, with injuries to Lisandro Martínez and Luke Shaw, alongside Leny Yoro’s suspension, further crippling their backline.
The full-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have failed to provide quality in the attack and failed to provide defensive stability as well, leaving the centre-backs exposed quite often during counterattack situations.
Manchester United have also consistently plundered big chances in front of goal.
Despite registering more shots than any other Premier League side, they rank joint-bottom for expected goals per shot, as per Opta statistics.
Despite criticising Carrick's tactics, Bruno’s performance has also dipped considerably.
After breaking the Premier League assists record last season, his chance creation figures have approximately halved, while he has recorded just one goal involvement across his previous nine United appearances this season.
United spent £163 million in the summer but failed to strengthen every area of need, particularly at left-back and centre-forward.
They had strengthened their midfield, but now it seems to be a mismatch as well.
With at least two games a week now, Carrick must find a balance between a defensive approach and counter-pressing.
Without improved intensity, defensive stability and attacking efficiency up front, Manchester United’s season risks slipping further away from their ambitions into more embarrassment and memes.
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