Manchester United have made a disappointing start to a season that initially carried so much hope, taking five points from just five games and winning only two of seven matches in all competitions.
The momentum built under Michael Carrick in the second half of last season has evaporated in a series of poor results and below-par performances. While an argument can be made that United have suffered their fair share of misfortune, it is clear that too many displays have been lacklustre as well.
Defeats and injury concerns
The defeats to Hull City and Brighton have raised concern, and the performance at Fulham before the international break offered little reason for optimism despite Matheus Cunha's late equaliser.
Injuries are starting to build up and become a problem for Carrick. A run of four big games after the international break could prove crucial in deciding what comes next. Tottenham visit Old Trafford on Saturday, with Roberto De Zerbi's side bottom of the table and in need of a result themselves. A trip to an in-form Leeds side is sandwiched between Champions League away days at Atletico Madrid and Como.
Baleba ready to start
Carlos Baleba was an unused substitute at Fulham, but he did well to even make the matchday squad for the trip to Craven Cottage. A debut after the international break was always considered far more likely. He will have another couple of weeks of training under his belt by next Saturday and has minutes in his legs after playing against Lausanne-Sport in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Carrington on Friday.
There is an argument that the £70million man should be ready to start against Spurs. His dynamism, energy and ability to cover the ground are all traits badly needed in this side. His partnership with Kobbie Mainoo is one that could flourish, and picking Baleba would allow the academy graduate to play a little further forward. It is a duo Carrick needs to unleash as soon as possible.
Striker reshuffle and Lacey opportunity
Benjamin Sesko's latest shin injury is a major worry for United, and any lengthy absence will pose problems. The Slovenian is the only natural No.9 in the squad, and if he is out again, it will mean a reshuffle. The answer so far has been Matheus Cunha, who has started every Premier League game as a false nine, but the attack is not clicking and the approach is not working.
None of the potential solutions are ideal, but Bryan Mbeumo was good when he played the No.9 role under Carrick last season and impressed there again in pre-season, scoring twice in the win against Atletico Madrid in Stockholm. Playing Mbeumo through the middle offers a middle ground between Cunha and Sesko and could allow United to offer more of a goal threat.
Moving Mbeumo centrally will leave a gap to fill on the right wing. Amad has returned to training, but it does not appear he played against Lausanne-Sport on Friday and he might not be ready next week. Instead, Carrick can turn to 19-year-old Shea Lacey, who was excellent against Brighton in the Carabao Cup. The fearlessness of youth and the confidence Lacey has at the moment could be useful assets to bring into this team.
That would allow Cunha and Marcus Rashford to compete for a spot on the left and might allow for more natural rotation for Carrick as the schedule gets more demanding.
