In an article published by Telegraph, Manchester United's point tally does not fully reflect the team's decline in performance. On-pitch displays have been more worrying than results, raising external concerns about Michael Carrick's managerial position.

With the season approaching its decisive phase, this week is critical for both Manchester United and Carrick.

Even in the best-case scenario, the Metropolitano is a difficult ground to win at. On Sunday, the team will travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United, their nearest challengers.

Elland Road will be Amorim's final match as Manchester United manager. His successor faces mounting pressure within ten months.

Atlético Madrid has won all four La Liga matches this season and thrashed Athletic Bilbao 3-0 last month. If Manchester United can defeat Atlético Madrid or secure at least a point at the Metropolitano, they would gain a psychological boost before facing Leeds United.

However, what concerns fans and Old Trafford's leadership is that on-pitch performance is more worrying than the results themselves.

Carrick can point to examples of misfortune. Last month, Haaland's goal should not have been allowed. A week later against Everton, the team had the opportunity to collect three points but suffered a setback due to Ainsley Maitland-Niles' world-class finishing.

However, aside from a strong performance in the Champions League group stage against lower-ranked Shabab Al-Ahli, Manchester United's other matches have shown lacklustre displays lacking intensity. They played well only in the second half against Ipswich and in the opening minutes of the Cup match against Brighton, where they lost 2-3 at home.

Saturday's first half against Tottenham was particularly alarming. As Manchester United pressed forward, Tottenham easily breached their defence. Although Carrick mentioned that Bruno Fernandes' injury has largely healed, his positioning was extremely advanced, forcing Yuri Tielemans and Meunier to cover large defensive gaps.

Tottenham exploited this weakness repeatedly, reminiscent of the persistent defensive problems Manchester United faced under Erik ten Hag. The two midfielders frequently failed to contain Conor Gallagher, leaving numerous opportunities in spaces behind them.

Cunha also destabilised the team's balance, at times becoming a defensive liability. Archie Gray and Tottenham repeatedly exploited his poor defensive positioning and weak anticipation.

Šeško has had to take additional rest due to a recurring foot injury. The injury sidelined him for nearly four months from early May through late August. If Šeško recovers, Cunha's absence from matches may not be guaranteed. Manchester United is awaiting full test results on the Slovenian striker's injury this week and hopes he will not require prolonged rest.

Some within the club have begun questioning Casemiro's on-pitch and off-pitch leadership, particularly regarding the team's defensive weaknesses. Carrick must balance the midfield and attack, especially given the team's defensive vulnerabilities. Against Tottenham, Manchester United's defence frequently found itself in uncomfortable four-versus-four situations.

Baleba's return can provide the manager with more selection options. Against Atlético Madrid, a three-man midfield system must be employed, and this approach can be continued in subsequent matches.

Meunier and Luc Shaw did not travel to the Spanish capital due to physical issues, and Dorgu and Mazraoui are also absent. Beyond reorganising the midfield, Carrick must arrange a temporary left-back solution. At minimum, the midfield must be solidified and attacking play made more cohesive.

When the team retreats to defend the midfield, they lack the intensity and resources to close spaces effectively. Simultaneously, the team lacks attacking fullbacks who can create numerical advantages.

The primary objective of the summer transfer window was to address the right-midfield partnership. Yuri Tielemans, signed from Aston Villa for £35 million, lacks the pace required alongside Meunier for this level of competition.

André Santos, signed from Chelsea for £50 million, sat on the bench unused in the Tottenham match, marking his third league appearance without playing.

Manchester United initially wanted to sign Elliot Anderson but failed, settling for quantity over quality. Now seeing the English midfielder play for Manchester City, United clearly comes off worse.

Baleba, signed from Brighton for £65 million, at least offers something distinctive. After coming on as a substitute around the 60-minute mark against Tottenham, the team's performance noticeably improved. Manchester United urgently needs his pace and combative spirit on the pitch.

However, he alone will not suffice. Manchester United must quickly regain form; they cannot afford further delays.

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