According to The Sun, Carrick claimed that Man Utd's start hasn't been bad, similar to Solskjaer's philosophy.

In The Sun's commentary, Carrick insisted Man Utd's start was "not bad," but the article argues the opposite is true.

Speaking in an interview at Everton, Carrick said Man Utd's start was "not bad." When a journalist pointed out that Man Utd had only earned 4 points from matches against Hull City, Ipswich, and Everton, Carrick interrupted—though no one had actually used the word "bad."

Carrick's interruption seemed to reveal his true feelings: he doesn't believe Man Utd has started the season well.

When the fixture list was released, Hull City, Ipswich, and Everton were all considered near-certain victories for Man Utd. Beyond the two newly promoted clubs, Everton was dealing with escalating tensions between ownership and supporters before that match, plus a chaotic transfer window performance.

Moyes barely had enough players to field a full squad. Everton's situation was so dire they even attempted to sign Zirkzee.

Yet Everton still attacked more forcefully than Man Utd. They created the best chances in the first half and had twice as many shots on target as Man Utd.

Beyond the results, Carrick's press conferences are also concerning. Sir Alex Ferguson once said he faced two battles each week: a football match and a press conference. Carrick clearly doesn't share that view.

Carrick rarely says anything noteworthy and seldom gives direct answers.

No one faults his character. Carrick is as genuine now as he was as a player, and this is partly why Man Utd's leadership values him—he's the complete opposite of Amorim, especially when a microphone is in front of him.

This approach worked fine last season when Man Utd won 12 of 17 matches and lost only 2. It was always thought he would need to adjust his methods once Man Utd hit a crisis, but he hasn't.

Last Friday, Carrick was asked a relatively straightforward question: would Man Utd strengthen their defence this summer?

Carrick replied: "Things aren't always that simple."

Fans don't want to hear such things, and neither do journalists. This evasiveness is reminiscent of Solskjaer.

Man Utd has been in similar situations before. In 2018, a tough Portuguese manager clashed with the club's leadership and was replaced by a club legend who was thrilled to get the job.

Blind obedience didn't serve Solskjaer well, and his tenure ultimately ended without a single trophy.

Carrick has a close relationship with Solskjaer. They were teammates and later coached together for nearly three years, even competing for the Man Utd manager position in January.

Between them, they have 23 years of playing experience at Man Utd, so they tend to view things the same way. But this approach may not bring the success Man Utd needs today.

Solskjaer's angriest moment in a press conference came when reminded that Van Persie said in January 2020 that Solskjaer was smiling after losing to Arsenal.

Carrick is slightly different. When it was implied that Middlesbrough fans would be surprised by his record at Man Utd last season, he showed some displeasure: "We won a few games."

This season, Carrick became irritated when Fjørtoft suggested Man Utd lacked "passion" in their opening defeat to Hull City. Later, when a journalist described the team's display as "passive," Carrick objected again.

Man Utd was genuinely too passive. They only began attacking seriously in the second half, after Everton equalized. The team only reacted when provoked, and that must change.

Carrick's press conferences must also change. For weeks, he's claimed he "never said" things that no one has accused him of saying.

Carrick once said: "Regarding our financial situation and what we can do, it is what it is." When Man Utd's financial constraints came up again during the transfer window, Carrick emphasized he hadn't used the word "restricted." It's a cautious answer from a cautious man.

Carrick sometimes needs to defend himself. Man Utd wanted a centre-back this summer, particularly a left-sided defender, but ultimately didn't sign anyone. He can't be blamed for that.

Man Utd's defensive problems stem largely from current leadership decisions. Man Utd signed Yoro, De Ligt, and Hevén, then extended Maguire's contract. Mazraoui also joined during INEOS's tenure.

No one expects Carrick to completely expose himself and question his bosses. But when he proactively claims Man Utd's start is "not bad," he's actually putting himself in a difficult position.

Solskjaer never blamed others. Pogba and the late Raiola's representative constantly undermined him, and Solskjaer calling Pogba "a golden heart" perhaps only emboldened him further.

Man Utd players thought Solskjaer was too soft. Long after leaving Man Utd, Solskjaer admitted the dressing room was full of "fragile egos."

During a training session in Ireland last month, Carrick showed a slightly more decisive speaking style. Discussing the need for more signings, he mentioned "pushing" or "trying to push" eight times.

Carrick had barely faced the media in the three months prior, leaving some questions unanswered. It was his best performance since taking over Man Utd on January 13. In the more relaxed environment at Carrington, even with Amazon cameras present, he seemed more at ease.

Then Carrick reverted to old habits, as did Man Utd. This has been a poor start.

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