According to The Sun, Michael Carrick insists that Manchester United's start has been "not bad," yet the article suggests otherwise.

After the match against Everton, Michael Carrick claimed Manchester United's start was "not bad." Nobody had used the word "poor," but Carrick still interrupted a reporter who pointed out that Manchester United had collected only 4 points from matches against Hull City, Ipswich, and Everton.

Carrick's intervention seemed to reveal his true thoughts: he did not believe Manchester United had made a good start to the season.

When the fixture list was announced, Hull City, Ipswich, and Everton were considered near-certain victories for Manchester United. Beyond the two promoted teams, Everton was also dealing with escalating tensions between ownership and supporters before this match, and the club's activity on transfer deadline day was chaotic.

Moyes barely had enough players to field a full squad. Everton was so chaotic that it even attempted to sign Zirkzee.

Despite this, Everton was still more aggressive in attack than Manchester United. They had the better chances in the first half and twice as many shots on target as Manchester United.

Beyond the results, Carrick's press conferences are also cause for concern. Sir Alex Ferguson once said he had to deal with two matches a week: the football match and the press conference. Michael Carrick clearly does not share this view.

Carrick never says anything striking and rarely gives direct answers.

Nobody questions his character. Carrick is as genuine now as he was during his playing days, which is one reason Manchester United's management values him—he is the complete opposite of Amorim, especially when a microphone is placed in front of him.

Last season, when Manchester United won 12 of 17 matches and lost only 2, Carrick's rhetoric was not a problem. It was always assumed he would have to change his approach once Manchester United hit difficulties, but he has not.

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

Carrick replied: "It's not always that simple."

Supporters do not want to hear such things, nor do reporters. Such resignation is reminiscent of Solskjaer.

Manchester United has faced similar situations before. In 2018, a tough Portuguese manager clashed with the club's hierarchy, and was then replaced by a club legend who was thrilled to get the job.

Blind obedience did not bring Solskjaer great success, and his tenure ultimately ended without trophies.

Carrick has a close relationship with Solskjaer. They were teammates, then coached together for almost three years, and were even rivals when competing for the Manchester United manager position in January.

Both have a combined 23 years of playing experience at Manchester United, so they view things in similar ways. But this may not deliver the success Manchester United needs today.

Solskjaer was most animated at a press conference when reminded that Robin van Persie had spoken in January 2020 about how Solskjaer smiled after a defeat to Arsenal.

Carrick is somewhat different. When it was suggested that Middlesbrough supporters would be surprised by his record at Manchester United last season, he was somewhat irritated: "We won some games."

Earlier this season, Carrick was somewhat dismissive when Fjørtoft pointed out the lack of "passion" in Manchester United's first-half performance against Hull City. Later, when a reporter described the team's display as "passive," Carrick also objected.

Manchester United was indeed far too passive. They only began attacking properly in the second half, and only after Everton equalized. The team reacted only after being stirred, and this situation needs to change.

Carrick's press conferences also need to change. For several weeks in a row, he has claimed "never to have said" things that nobody had 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 had not used the word "limitations." This is the cautious response of a cautious man.

Carrick sometimes has to defend himself first. Manchester United wanted to sign a defender this summer, specifically a left-back, but ultimately signed nobody. This cannot be blamed on him.

Manchester United's defensive problems are largely the responsibility of current management. Manchester United signed Yoro, de Ligt, and Haveà, then extended Maguire's contract. Mazraoui also joined during Ineos's tenure.

Nobody expects Carrick to completely let his guard down and question his superiors. But when he actively insists that Manchester United's start is "not bad," he actually puts himself in the line of fire.

Solskjaer never shifted focus onto others. Pogba and his late agent Raiola constantly undermined his authority, and Solskjaer calling Pogba a "golden-hearted man" likely only encouraged the latter further.

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

During a training session in Ireland last month, Carrick briefly demonstrated a tougher speaking style. When discussing the need for new signings, he mentioned "pressure" or "applying pressure" eight times.

Carrick had largely avoided media duties for almost three months before that, leaving some questions unanswered. It was his best performance since becoming Manchester United manager on January 13. In the more relaxed setting of Carton House, he also seemed more at ease, despite the presence of Amazon cameras.

Since then, Carrick has reverted to his old habits, as has Manchester United. This is a poor start.

Переведено ИИ.

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