According to The Sun, Michael Carrick claims that Manchester United's start to the season isn't as bad as some suggest, mirroring Solskjaer's approach to defending the club.

According to The Sun, Michael Carrick insists Manchester United's start hasn't been "poor," but the article suggests the opposite may be true.

In an interview following the Everton match, Carrick said Manchester United's start has been "not poor." When a journalist pointed out that United had earned only 4 points from matches against Hull City, Ipswich, and Everton, Carrick interrupted, even though the journalist hadn't used the word "poor."

Carrick's interruption seemed to reveal his true feelings. He clearly doesn't believe Manchester United has had a good start to the season.

When the fixture list was released, Hull City, Ipswich, and Everton were all expected to be opponents that Manchester United would almost certainly beat. Beyond the two promoted sides, Everton entered the match amid heightened tensions between the club's ownership and supporters, and the club's transfer business had been chaotic.

Moyes had very few options to assemble a full squad. Everton was so disorganized that they attempted to sign Zirkzee.

Nevertheless, Everton was more aggressive in attack than Manchester United. They had the best chances in the first half and recorded twice as many shots on target as United.

Beyond the result, Carrick's press conference was also concerning. Sir Alex Ferguson once said he had to deal with two matches a week: the football match and the press conference. Michael Carrick clearly doesn't see it that way.

Carrick has never been one for memorable soundbites and rarely gives direct answers.

No one questions his character. Michael Carrick has been as honest as a player as he is now, and this is one reason Manchester United's senior officials hold him in high regard. He is the complete opposite of Amorim, especially when a microphone is put in front of him.

Carrick's approach was not an issue last season when Manchester United won 12 of 17 matches and lost only 2. I always thought that if Manchester United hit a slump, he would need to adjust his approach, but he hasn't.

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

Carrick replied: "These situations aren't always that simple."

Fans don't want to hear that, and neither do journalists. This deference evokes memories of Solskjaer.

Manchester United has been in a similar situation before. In 2018, a tough Portuguese manager clashed with club executives and was replaced by a club legend, who was delighted to get the job. This blind deference didn't take Solskjaer far, and his tenure ended without a trophy.

Carrick and Solskjaer have a close relationship. They were teammates and later coached together for nearly three years, and they competed for the Manchester United manager's job in January. The two have nearly 23 years of playing experience combined at Manchester United, so they view situations similarly. However, this approach may not deliver the success Manchester United needs today.

Solskjaer's most heated press conference moment was recalled when it was noted that in January 2020, after a loss to Arsenal, Solskjaer was still smiling.

Carrick is somewhat different. Last season, when it was pointed out that Middlesbrough fans would be surprised by his record at Manchester United, he seemed slightly uncomfortable. "We won several games."

This season, Michael Carrick seemed slightly offended when Wilfried zaha pointed out Manchester United's lack of "passion" in the opening defeat to Hull City. Then, when a journalist described the team's performance as "passive," Carrick also objected to that characterization.

Manchester United was indeed far too passive. They only began attacking with intensity in the second half after Everton equalized. The team only responded after being stirred into action, and this pattern needs to change.

Carrick's press conferences also need to change. Several weeks in a row, he has claimed he "never said" things that nobody has accused him of saying.

Carrick once said: "Regarding the financial situation and what we can do, it is what it is." When Manchester United's financial constraints were discussed again during the transfer window, Carrick emphasized that he hadn't used the word "limited." This is a cautious answer from a cautious man.

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

Manchester United's defensive problems lie primarily with the current leadership. Manchester United signed Yoro, De Ligt, and Havaž, then renewed Maguire's contract. Mazraoui also joined during the INEOS era.

No one expects Carrick to act with complete freedom and challenge his superiors. However, when he actively claims that Manchester United's start isn't "poor," he actually puts himself in the line of fire.

Solskjaer never deflected blame to others. Pogba and his late agent Raiola constantly undermined his authority, and Solskjaer calling Pogba "a man with a golden heart" probably emboldened the latter even more.

Manchester United players thought Solskjaer was too lenient. Long after leaving Manchester United, Solskjaer acknowledged that the dressing room was filled with "fragile egos."

During an Ireland training session last month, Carrick briefly showed a firmer tone. While discussing the need for more signings, he mentioned "pushing" or "trying to push" eight times.

Carrick had been without media contact for nearly three months before that, leaving several unresolved questions. It was his best performance since taking over Manchester United on January 13. In the more comfortable surroundings of Carrington, he appeared more at ease despite the presence of Amazon cameras.

After that, Michael Carrick reverted to his old ways, and so did Manchester United. This is a poor start.

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