Manchester United have won just one of their opening three Premier League games, conceding two goals in each, and are nowhere near challenging for the title. The case for Michael Carrick's defence of Manchester United is weak, to the point of being insulting to certain sections of supporters.
Those in particular who experienced a time when winning was the minimum requirement of a United side. Carrick described United's result at Everton as "not that bad".
Late collapse at Everton
A game which saw them lose the lead not once, but twice, including a screamer six minutes into stoppage time from Ainsley Maitland-Niles on his debut. There's not much Carrick can do about that.
But what he can do something about is change the perception people have of his approach to what is deemed acceptable at a club like United.
Negatives outweigh positives
Because three games into the season, there is no escaping the fact there are more negatives than positives surrounding Carrick and his team. United are in the bottom half of the table.
They have won one league game, lost to newly-promoted Hull City and dropped two more points at the Dickinson Hill Stadium.
Defensive woes
In all three games, United have conceded two goals. Which, as Carrick should know, makes winning matches nigh on impossible at Premier League level.
Arsenal and Manchester City have conceded half this amount between them. Which explains why both of them sit at the top of the table.
Following this, United have a visit from City, who have won three from three, despite failing to get out of second gear. It won't be a defining week for Carrick.
Credit in the bank
He still has credit in the bank, following an impressive six months as caretaker manager, before getting the job on a permanent basis. But he is starting to spend some of it. Unlike his bosses, who failed to make a single signing on deadline day.
What would be a successful season for United? Opinions on this will vary. But the only ones which count belong to Carrick and those who run the club.
And at present, accepting mediocrity suggests United will continue to do what they've now done for far too long, which is accept being second best.
