The Telegraph has published an article indicating that external concerns exist regarding Manchester United's poor point total not fully reflecting the true extent of the team's poor performance, with their on-pitch display being even more worrying than the results themselves, putting Carrick's position as manager in jeopardy.

There are two weeks until the winter break, but this week is set to be crucial for Manchester United and Carrick.

Even at the best of times, the Cívitas Metropolitano is never an easy ground to get a result at away from home; and on Sunday, the team must also travel to Elland Road to face their fierce rivals, Leeds United.

Elland Road was Amorim's final match in charge of Manchester United. Ten months later, his successor is already feeling immense pressure.

Atlético Madrid has won all four of their Liga matches this season, and last month they beat Athletic Bilbao 3-0. If Manchester United can defeat Atlético Madrid, or at least take a point at the Cívitas Metropolitano, it would provide a slight morale boost ahead of facing Leeds United.

But what concerns supporters and Old Trafford's hierarchy is that in many ways, the team's performance on the pitch is more concerning than the results themselves.

Carrick can point to some unfortunate circumstances. Haaland's goal last month should not have been allowed; a week ago against Everton, the team had the chance to take all three points but conceded a brilliant equaliser from Ainsley Maitland-Niles in added time.

However, aside from a large victory against the weak Shabab Al-Ahli in the first round of the Champions League, most of Manchester United's other matches have been mediocre and unconvincing. Solid performances have only been seen in the second half against Ipswich and in the first ten minutes of the 3-2 home defeat to Brighton in the League Cup.

The first half against Tottenham on Saturday was particularly alarming. Whenever Manchester United pressed high, Tottenham easily penetrated and bypassed their defence. Carrick stated that Bruno Fernandes' injury was largely recovered, but his position was too advanced, leaving Tielemans and Mainoo to cover enormous defensive gaps.

Tottenham repeatedly exploited this vulnerability, reminiscent of the recurring defensive issues Manchester United has faced under Erik ten Hag. The two midfielders often lost track of Conor Gallagher, who had numerous opportunities in the half-spaces behind them.

Cunha also disrupted the team's balance, at times becoming even a defensive liability. Archie Gray and Tottenham repeatedly exploited his lack of defensive effort and poor anticipation of danger.

Šeško is sidelined again due to a recurrence of an old calf injury, which had already kept him out for nearly four months from early May to late August. If Šeško were fully fit, Cunha's starting place would not be guaranteed. Manchester United awaits the full diagnosis of the Slovenian striker's injury this week and hopes he will not face another lengthy absence.

Voices are already being raised within the club lamenting Casemiro's lack of presence and leadership, both on and off the pitch. Carrick must address the balance between midfield and attack, particularly given the team's obvious defensive gaps. Against Tottenham, Manchester United's defence found itself repeatedly in destabilising four-on-four situations.

The return of Balde could give the manager options to adjust the team. Against Atlético Madrid, a three-midfielder system will be necessary, and this approach could be continued in subsequent matches.

Mainoo and Luke Shaw did not travel to the Spanish capital due to physical reasons, and Dorgu and Mazraoui are also absent. In addition to reorganising midfield, Carrick must also temporarily sort out the left-back position. At minimum, he must find a way to solidify midfield and make the attacking play more coherent and intense.

When the team drops deep to defend in midfield, it often lacks the aggression and urgency needed to compress space. At the same time, there is a lack of energetic full-backs in the squad who can help create numerical superiority.

One of the main aims of the summer recruitment was to secure the right-sided midfield pairing. Tielemans, signed from Aston Villa for £35 million, and Mainoo lack the required running capacity for this level of competition.

As for André Santos, signed from Chelsea for £50 million, the draw against Tottenham marked his third consecutive league match on the bench unused.

Manchester United initially wanted to sign Elliot Anderson, but after failing to do so, they had to settle for quantity over quality. Now, seeing the English midfielder anchoring Manchester City's midfield, they can only feel envious.

Balde, signed from Brighton for £65 million, can at least bring something different. After coming on around the 60th minute against Tottenham on his debut, the team's performance noticeably improved. Manchester United desperately needs his pace and fighting spirit on the pitch.

But he alone is far from sufficient. Manchester United must regain form as quickly as possible; there is no time to waste.

Traduit par IA.

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