Michael Carrick's Manchester United face a make-or-break three weeks after a frustrating 1-1 draw at Leeds extended the club's winless streak to six matches across all competitions. The result left the Premier League giants languishing 13th in the table, closer to a relegation battle than a title race.
The former United and England midfielder said the performance showed encouraging signs and described it as a "fresh start" before a gruelling run of fixtures, including a Champions League trip to Como on Wednesday, ahead of visits to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and Liverpool at Anfield.
Tensions have been heightened by Lisandro Martinez's controversial TV interview, in which he challenged director of football Jason Wilcox over the club's summer transfer dealings after the 2-0 defeat away against Atletico Madrid. United's players were then reportedly banned from speaking to the press after the clash at Elland Road.
Carrick given sack verdict
United icon Gary Neville suggests Carrick cannot afford for United to remain stuck in mid-table by January - or his job will be at risk. United sit 13th after seven matches, nearer to the drop zone than the Champions League positions, with just one win in the Premier League against newly-promoted Ipswich.
Neville believes Carrick warrants additional time in his first campaign as permanent manager but insists United must show improvement, and quickly, reports the Mirror. Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: "Fifth [which will probably be enough for Champions League football] is a must for Michael Carrick to continue to grow and Manchester United continue to grow with investment."
"If they're 13th in January, he's got a problem because then you are what you are. Whereas I think it's still early enough, seven points from seven games, to say, 'Okay, still early in the season. You can't say that after 15 games.' It has to change in the next few weeks: Bournemouth is really important and Chelsea away. And how he manages the games in between that."
January plans put stars at risk
United's transfer window strategy raises serious questions over the futures of the club's seasoned defenders. According to Sky Sports, United are making centre-backs and left-backs a priority as part of their squad overhaul, having strengthened their midfield last summer and attacking options the year before.
There was frustration during the summer that United failed to secure a replacement, or at least a backup, for Luke Shaw, so it comes as little surprise that a left-back remains high on the wishlist. United had their sights set on Lewis Hall, but Newcastle refused to sell before tying the full-back down to a lengthy new deal, making him virtually unattainable.
United are equally keen to bolster their centre-back options. The future of Lisandro Martinez, whose contract expires next summer, is uncertain following his recent outburst. Harry Maguire, now 33, is also out of contract at the season's end, while Matthijs de Ligt has battled injury issues, though he has returned to fitness following back surgery.
There is a case to be made that United must also bolster their attacking options, both centrally and out wide. However, shoring up the defence appears to be the club's main priority at this stage.
