The Telegraph reports that Manchester United's poor point tally does not fully reflect the team's actual decline in performance. Because the quality of play is more worrying than the results themselves, there are external concerns that manager Michael Carrick's position could become precarious.

With two weeks remaining before winter break, this week will be crucial for both Manchester United and Michael Carrick.

Even in the best of conditions, the Metropolitano Stadium is never an easy away ground to conquer, and on Sunday they must travel to Elland Road to face bitter rivals Leeds United.

Elland Road is where Amorim played his last match for Manchester United. Ten months later, his successor is already under enormous pressure.

Atlético Madrid have won all four La Liga matches this season and defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-0 last month. If Manchester United can beat Atlético Madrid or at least secure a point at the Metropolitano Stadium, it would provide a morale boost ahead of facing Leeds United.

However, the concern among fans and Old Trafford's hierarchy is that in several ways, the team's performance has been more worrying than the actual results.

Michael Carrick can point to some unfortunate instances. Last month, Haaland's goal should not have been allowed, and a week ago against Everton, the team had a chance to secure three points but was denied by Ainsley Maitland-Niles' equalizer in extra time.

But apart from the emphatic win against weak Al-Ahly in the Champions League first round, most of Manchester United's other matches have been uninspiring and unconvincing. Only the second half against Ipswich and the opening 10 minutes of the 2-3 home defeat to Brighton in the League Cup showed strong performance.

In particular, Saturday's first half against Tottenham was very shaky. When Manchester United pressed hard, Tottenham easily broke through the defense. Although Michael Carrick said Bruno Fernandes' injury has largely recovered, his positioning pushed too far forward, forcing Yuri Tielemans and Mainoo to cover a huge defensive gap.

Tottenham repeatedly exploited this weakness, which resembled the recurring defensive problems Manchester United faced under Ten Hag. The two midfielders frequently lost track of Conor Gallagher, who created numerous chances in the space behind them.

Kunha also disrupted the team's balance and at times became a defensive liability. Archie Gray and Tottenham repeatedly exploited his lack of defensive contribution and poor anticipation.

Šeško has been sidelined again due to a recurring calf injury. This injury kept him out for nearly four months from early May to late August. Had Šeško been fit, Kunha's starting place would not have been guaranteed. Manchester United are awaiting a full diagnosis of the Slovenian striker's injury this week and hope he does not face another lengthy absence.

Some officials within the club are already lamenting Casemiro's lack of presence and leadership both on and off the pitch. Michael Carrick must balance midfield and attack, particularly given the team's obvious defensive weaknesses. In the Tottenham match, Manchester United's defense was often exposed in unstable 4v4 situations.

Baleba's return could provide the manager with options to adjust the lineup. Using a three-midfielder system against Atlético Madrid is essential, and this approach may continue in the next match.

Mainoo and Luke Shaw did not travel to the Spanish capital due to fitness issues, and Dörgu and Mazraoui are also absent. In addition to reshuffling the midfield, Michael Carrick must temporarily deploy a left-back. At minimum, he must find ways to strengthen the midfield and make attacking play more consistent and incisive.

When the team transitions from midfield to defense, there is often a lack of the intensity and urgency needed to close down space. At the same time, the team lacks dynamic fullbacks who could help create numerical advantages.

The primary objective in the summer transfer window was to complete the right-wing combination. Yuri Tielemans and Mainoo, signed from Aston Villa for £35 million, lack the intensity required at this level of competition.

As for André Santos, signed from Chelsea for £50 million, the draw against Tottenham was the third league match in which he was left on the bench.

Manchester United originally targeted Elliot Anderson but failed to secure him, and instead had to settle for quantity over quality. Now, watching the English midfielder perform at Manchester City, one can only feel envious.

Baleba, signed from Brighton for £65 million, brings something different at least. After coming on as a substitute around the 60-minute mark against Tottenham, the team's performance noticeably improved. Manchester United desperately need his work rate and intensity.

But he alone is nowhere near enough. Manchester United must regain form as quickly as possible. There is no time to waste.

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