Manchester United have made their worst start to a Premier League campaign since 1986, with just one win from six games leaving them 13th in the table. Manager Michael Carrick now faces a defining run of seven fixtures that could decide his future at the club.
The last time United had only six points from their opening six league games was 40 years ago, with that solitary victory coming against newly promoted Ipswich Town. Tottenham's late equaliser on Saturday denied United another win, as the team continue to struggle when holding leads.
In between their six underwhelming league matches, United secured a Champions League win over Azerbaijan-based side Sabah but suffered a 3-2 defeat to Brighton in the Carabao Cup, having led 2-0 at half-time. The players were booed off at Old Trafford, where jeers have become familiar for Carrick and his squad.
Pressure Mounts After International Break
The recent international break has not provided a reset, with Tottenham's dominance on Saturday exposing the flaws in this United team. Carrick, who had a positive interim spell previously, is now the favourite in the sack race, highlighting the scale of his decline since the end of last season.
If United were to make a change, the next international break would be the opportune time. That leaves Carrick with seven games to turn around his and the team's fortunes, including four in the Premier League and three in Europe.
Challenging Away Run Ahead
The run begins with perhaps the most daunting assignment: a trip to Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone's side are ruthless and showed their willingness to carve up an injured animal when they faced Tottenham in Europe last season. United then travel to Leeds on Sunday, where the fierce rivalry often creates a fiery atmosphere. Leeds have lost only one of their six opening games and are eager to take United's scalp for the second time in six months.
Three days later, United face an upwardly mobile Como side under Cesc Fabregas, who have impressed with their rapid rise and are unlikely to be intimidated by an out-of-form United.
Home Run to End the Block
After three consecutive away games, United will finish this block with three of their final four matches at Old Trafford. Bournemouth arrive having not lost in their last three visits, scoring ten times. Chelsea are United's last away day of October, with Xabi Alonso's side showing signs of clicking into gear, scoring freely despite defensive issues. Their midfield quality could pose a major threat to a United engine room under heavy scrutiny.
Roma visit Old Trafford for a Champions League assignment, evoking memories of United's famous 7-1 victory in 2007, though a repeat is unlikely. Excelling in Europe could keep the sharks at bay for Carrick. Aston Villa are United's final game of this window, with Unai Emery's side having not won at Old Trafford since 2021.
After that, the club game pauses for a two-week countdown until United head to Anfield to face Liverpool. Carrick will hope to be in charge for that iconic game, but a dire set of results between now and then would leave the United hierarchy with no choice but to weigh up their options.
