According to The Sun, Carrick insists that Manchester United's start isn't bad, much like Solskjaer before him.

The Sun's commentary notes that Carrick insists Manchester United's start "isn't bad," yet the article suggests the opposite is true.

In an interview following Everton, Carrick said Manchester United's start "wasn't bad." No one had used the word "bad" at that point, but Carrick still interrupted the reporter who had pointed out that Manchester United had earned just four points from matches against Hull City, Ipswich, and Everton.

Carrick's interjection appeared to expose his true thoughts: he didn't believe Manchester United's season had started well.

When the fixtures were announced, Hull City, Ipswich, and Everton were considered near-certain victories for Manchester United. Beyond the two newly promoted sides, Everton was also dealing with growing tensions between ownership and supporters ahead of that match, and the club's performance during the transfer window had been chaotic.

Moyes barely had enough players to field a full squad. Everton reached such a point of dysfunction that they even attempted to sign Zirkzee.

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

Beyond the results, Carrick's press conferences were also concerning. Sir Alex Ferguson once said he had to manage two games a week: a football match and a press conference. Carrick clearly doesn't share that view.

Carrick never says anything headline-grabbing and rarely gives direct answers.

No one questions his character. Carrick is as authentic as he was during his playing days, which is one reason Manchester United's hierarchy values him—he is the complete opposite of Amorim, especially when a microphone is placed in front of him.

When Manchester United won 12 of 17 games and lost only 2 last season, Carrick's approach wasn't a problem. It was always assumed he would have to adjust his methods once Manchester United hit a rough patch, but he hasn't.

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

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

Fans don't want to hear that, and neither do journalists. Such deference echoes Solskjaer.

Manchester United has been in similar situations before. In 2018, a hard-line Portuguese manager clashed with the club hierarchy and was later replaced by a club legend who was thrilled to get the job.

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

Carrick is close to Solskjaer. They were teammates, then coached together for nearly three years, and were rivals for the Manchester United manager's job in January.

The two combined for 23 years of experience as Manchester United players, so they see things similarly. But that may not bring the success Manchester United needs today.

The time Solskjaer grew most irritated in a press conference was when he was reminded that Robin van Persie had spoken in January 2020 about Solskjaer still 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 rather dismissive: "We won some games."

This season, Carrick became somewhat irritated when Fjøltofte pointed out Manchester United's lack of "passion" in the opening loss to Hull City. Then, when a reporter described the team's performance as "passive," Carrick also objected.

Manchester United is indeed very passive. They only began attacking proactively in the second half, after Everton equalized. The team only acts when provoked, and that needs to change.

Carrick's press conferences need to change too. For weeks on end, he said he "never said" things that no one had accused him of saying in the first place.

Carrick once said: "In terms of the financial situation and what we can do, that's how things are." When Manchester United's financial constraints were discussed again during the transfer window, Carrick emphasized that he hadn't used the word "limit." This is a cautious response from a cautious person.

Carrick sometimes has to protect himself first. Manchester United wanted a center-back this summer, specifically a left-back, but ultimately didn't sign one. He can't be blamed for that.

Manchester United's defensive problems are primarily down to current management. Manchester United signed Yoro, de Ligt, and Hövels, then renewed Maguire's contract. Mazraoui also joined under Ineos' watch.

No one expects Carrick to break rank entirely and question his superiors. But when he proactively claims Manchester United's start "isn't bad," he's really putting himself in the line of fire.

Solskjaer never blamed others. Pogba and his late agent Mino Raiola constantly undermined his authority, and Solskjaer calling Pogba "golden-hearted" probably made the latter even more emboldened.

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

During last month's training camp in Ireland, Carrick briefly displayed a more assertive speaking style. When discussing the need for more signings, he mentioned "pushing" or "pushing hard" eight times.

Carrick had barely faced the media for three full months before that, and some unanswered questions remained. It was his best performance since taking over Manchester United on January 13. In the more relaxed setting of Carton House, he also seemed more at ease, despite the presence of Amazon's cameras.

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

Traduzido por IA.

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