Manchester United are facing a very challenging run of fixtures in November which could easily see their winless run extend to 14 games. A 2-0 win for Chelsea against United on Saturday has seen pressure remain on Michael Carrick despite the decision to back him following a very poor run of results.
Defeats and positives at Stamford Bridge
Defeats to Como and Bournemouth were particularly bad but there were some positives at Stamford Bridge with United dominating the first half. Carrick's side failed to score during that period, though, and were ultimately punished in the second 45 with Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer on target.
Amad and Bruno Fernandes both had great chances while Matheus Cunha saw a goal disallowed. And Carrick is focusing on those moments heading into the final week before the November international break.
He told TNT Sports: "We've got to move forward. We have to take the things that worked for us today and use that moving forward. I'm just looking forward to getting the boys ready for midweek now."
Champions League clash and Villa test
That clash is against Serie A side AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday at Old Trafford. Gian Piero Gasperini's side have lost just once this season with that coming in Europe against Real Madrid.
Donyell Malen is undoubtedly their talisman having scored 10 goals in all competitions this season. United's final game before the two-week domestic pause is against his former employ club Aston Villa, who have won seven of their last nine games.
Bournemouth beat Unai Emery's side in Carabao Cup action earlier this week but he picked a heavily rotated team. Villa have managed marquee wins over Manchester City and Newcastle United over the last few weeks and will be aiming to worsen Carrick's fortunes.
Anfield trip and Sporting CP away
A trip to Anfield awaits United following the two-week domestic pause with Liverpool winning their last five games. Andoni Iraola has also been in charge for just one defeat having defeated Bournemouth, Brighton and Atletico Madrid, all of whom have beaten United this season.
United remain on their travels a few days later but face a much longer trip as they take on Sporting CP in the Champions League. Like many of their upcoming opponents, the Portugeuse side have barely lost in this campaign but they have struggled in Europe.
Brentford visit and Carrick's future
Nearly four weeks on from hosting Villa, United return to Old Trafford with Brentford as the visitors. Keith Andrews' side hadn't won in four prior to this weekend but got back on track courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Those three points took the Bees up to sixth in the league table while United are down in eighteenth. However, one potentially good omen for United is that Brentford have lost on their last five trips to the red side of Manchester.
That game will be far from Carrick's focus, however, and it is plausible that he may not be in charge this time next month, particularly if United fail to pick up a decent number of points.
