The Telegraph has published an article noting concerns that Manchester United's poor points tally does not fully reflect the true extent of the team's poor performances. United's on-pitch display is more alarming than the results themselves, and Carrick's managerial position has become increasingly precarious.

With just two weeks until the winter break, this week is set to be crucial for both Manchester United and Carrick.

Even at their best, the Cívitas Metropolitano has never been an easy away fixture; and on Sunday, the team will travel to Elland Road to face fierce rivals Leeds United.

Elland Road was the venue for Amorim's final match as Manchester United manager. Ten months later, his successor faces enormous pressure.

Atletico Madrid has won all four La Liga matches this season, including a 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao last month. If Manchester United can defeat Atletico Madrid, or at least secure a draw at the Cívitas Metropolitano, it would provide some momentum ahead of the Leeds United fixture.

However, what concerns both fans and Old Trafford's board is that in many respects, the team's on-pitch performance is more worrying than the actual results.

Carrick can point to some instances of bad luck. Haaland's goal last month should not have been allowed; a week before facing Everton, the team had a chance to secure three points but was denied by Ainsley Maitland-Niles' stoppage-time worldie.

However, aside from the impressive victory against a weak Al-Ain side in the Champions League first round, most of Manchester United's other matches have been uninspiring and unconvincing. Only the second half against Ipswich and the opening ten minutes of the 2-3 home League Cup defeat to Brighton showed a strong performance.

The first half against Tottenham on Saturday was particularly alarming. When United pushed forward with their shape, Tottenham easily penetrated their defence. Carrick noted that Bruno Fernandes' injury has largely recovered, but his positioning is too high, forcing Tielemans and Mainoo to cover large defensive gaps.

Tottenham repeatedly exploited this weakness, reminiscent of the recurring defensive issues United faced under Erik ten Hag. The two central midfielders frequently lost track of Conor Gallagher, who found numerous opportunities in the spaces behind them.

Cunha also disrupted the team's balance, at times becoming a defensive liability. Archie Gray and Tottenham continually exploited his lack of defensive effort and poor positional awareness.

Šeško has been sidelined due to a recurrence of an old calf injury, which previously kept him out for nearly four months from early May to late August. If Šeško were fit, Cunha's starting position would not be guaranteed. Manchester United is awaiting a full diagnosis of the Slovenian striker's injury this week and hopes he will not be sidelined for long.

Some within the club have lamented the absence of Casemiro's presence and leadership, both on and off the pitch. Carrick must strike a balance between midfield stability and attacking ambition, particularly given the team's clear defensive deficiencies. In the Tottenham match, United's defence was repeatedly placed in unstable one-on-one situations.

Balde's return could provide the manager with options to adjust the team's shape. A three-midfielder system will be essential for the Atletico Madrid match and could be applied to subsequent fixtures.

Mainoo and Luke Shaw did not travel to Spain due to fitness concerns, and Dorgu and Mazraoui are also absent. Beyond reorganising the midfield, Carrick must also temporarily arrange cover at left-back. At minimum, he must find ways to strengthen the midfield and make the attacking play more cohesive and incisive.

When the team retreats to defend in midfield, they often lack the determination and urgency to close down space. Meanwhile, the team lacks dynamic full-backs who could help create numerical advantages.

One of the main objectives of the summer recruitment was to strengthen the right-wing midfield pairing. Tielemans, signed from Aston Villa for £35 million, and Mainoo lack the required running power at this competitive level.

As for Andre Santos, signed from Chelsea for £50 million, the Tottenham draw was the third consecutive match he has sat on the bench without playing.

Manchester United initially wanted to sign Elliott Anderson, but after failing to do so, they had to settle for quantity over quality in midfield. Now, watching the English midfielder perform at Manchester City, they can only feel regret.

Balde, signed from Brighton for £65 million, at least brings something different. After coming off the bench for roughly 60 minutes in his debut against Tottenham, the team's performance improved noticeably. United desperately need his pace and fighting spirit on the pitch.

But he alone is not enough. Manchester United must regain form as soon as possible; there is no time to waste.

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