According to The Sun, Carrick stated that Manchester United's start has not been poor, drawing a comparison to Solskjaer's tenure.

In The Sun's coverage, Carrick insisted that Manchester United's start was "not poor," yet the article suggests the opposite is true.

Carrick stated in an interview ahead of Everton that Manchester United's start was "not poor." While no one had used the word "poor" at that moment, Carrick's defensiveness was telling—Manchester United had managed only 4 points from matches against Hull City, Ipswich, and Everton.

Carrick's defensiveness appeared to reveal his true thoughts: he does not believe Manchester United has had a good start to the season.

When the fixture list was announced, Hull City, Ipswich, and Everton were all considered near-certain victories for Manchester United. Besides the two newly promoted teams, Everton was also dealing with mounting tension between ownership and fans before the match, and the club's performance on transfer deadline day was chaotic.

Moyes had scarcely enough personnel to field a full squad. Everton was so disorganized that it even attempted to recruit Zirkzee at one point.

Nevertheless, Everton still attacked more aggressively than Manchester United. They had the best chances in the first half and had twice as many shots on target as Manchester United.

Beyond the result, Carrick's press conference was also concerning. Sir Alex Ferguson once said he had to face two matches every week: the football match and the press conference. Carrick clearly does not view it that way.

Carrick never says anything striking and rarely gives direct answers.

No one questions his character. Carrick is authentic, just as he was as a player, which is one reason Manchester United's management values him—he is the opposite of Amorim, particularly when a microphone is placed in front of him.

This narrative from Carrick is not about last season, when Manchester United won 12 of 17 matches and lost only 2. It was always believed that once Manchester United hit rock bottom, he would have to adjust his approach, but he has not done so.

Last Friday, Carrick was asked a relatively straightforward question: will Manchester United strengthen their defense next summer?

Carrick answered: "Things are not always that simple."

Fans do not want to hear such things, nor do journalists. Such evasiveness recalls Solskjaer.

Manchester United has been in a similar situation before. In 2018, a tough Portuguese manager clashed with club executives and was subsequently replaced by a club legend who was delighted to get the job.

Blind obedience did not take Solskjaer very far, and his tenure ultimately ended without silverware.

Carrick and Solskjaer are close. They were teammates and later coached together for nearly 3 years, and even rival candidates for the Manchester United manager position in January.

Between them, they have 23 years of playing experience at Manchester United, so they view things very similarly. But this similarity may not bring the success Manchester United needs today.

Solskjaer was most angry in press conferences when reminded that Robin van Persie said in January 2020 that Solskjaer was smiling after losing to Arsenal.

Carrick is somewhat different. When it was suggested that Middlesbrough fans would be surprised by his record at Manchester United last season, he became somewhat irritated: "We did win some matches."

This season, Carrick grew somewhat defensive when Fjørtoft pointed out Manchester United's lack of "intensity" in their first-round loss to Hull City. Later, when a reporter described the team's performance as "passive," Carrick also rejected that characterization.

Manchester United was indeed too passive. They did not begin attacking proactively until the second half, after Everton equalized. The team only reacted after being stimulated, and this situation must change.

Carrick's press conferences also need to change. For several weeks in a row, he has said he "did not say" things that were not attributed to him.

Carrick once said: "In terms of financial situation and what we can do, that's the reality." When Manchester United's financial constraints were discussed again during the transfer window, Carrick emphasized that he did not use the word "limit." This is a careful answer from a careful man.

Carrick sometimes has to protect himself first. Manchester United wanted to sign a defender this summer, particularly a left-back, but ultimately failed to recruit one. This cannot be blamed on him.

Manchester United's defensive problems should be primarily attributed to current management. Manchester United recruited Yoro, De Ligt, and Haven, then extended Maguire's contract. Mazraoui also joined during the Ineos era.

No one expects Carrick to completely break ranks and question ownership. But when he proactively states that Manchester United's start was "not poor," he is essentially putting himself in a difficult position.

Solskjaer never deflected blame to others. Pogba and his late agent Raiola constantly undermined his authority, and Solskjaer's characterization of Pogba as a "good guy" likely only emboldened him further.

Manchester United players found Solskjaer too soft. Long after leaving Manchester United, Solskjaer acknowledged that the dressing room was full of "fragile egos."

During a training camp in Ireland last month, Carrick briefly displayed a firmer tone. Discussing the need for more recruits, he used words like "pushing" or "pushing hard" eight times.

Carrick had barely faced the media for three full months beforehand, leaving some questions unanswered. It was his best appearance since taking over Manchester United on January 13. In the more relaxed environment of Carton House, he also seemed more at ease, despite the Amazon cameras present.

After that, Carrick reverted to his old habits, as did Manchester United. This is a poor start.

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