Manchester United are still trying to kickstart their season, and a Champions League trip to Atletico Madrid does not look particularly appealing to a side that are struggling for form.
Poor run of results
One Premier League win in six, consecutive draws against sides bottom of the table at kick-off, two failed attempts to beat teams down to 10 men and already out of the first cup competition of the season. How does a trip to Atletico Madrid sound to Manchester United right now?
'Not very appealing' is the correct answer. Having steered United back into the Champions League and securing the head coach job on a permanent basis in the process, Michael Carrick is already under pressure at Old Trafford. Last season's fine form is already a memory and boos from United fans have been heard more than a couple of times already this term.
Carrick's defence
Carrick insists his side have the quality and the character to turn things around and does not believe the results so far this season have reflected the performances United have produced. But this is a results business and nobody will care how they get there if United manage to take anything from their trip to Metropolitano on Tuesday.
Upcoming fixtures
Carrick can carry on backing his side and claim they are playing well, but those words won't wash if United continue to struggle. Tuesday's trip to Atletico is followed by an away clash with Leeds. Two defeats from those two outings really would set alarm bells ringing.
