Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is facing mounting pressure after a 1-0 defeat to 10-man Manchester City, but the 45-year-old would be right to question INEOS over their failure to sign him a left-back this summer.
Eight months ago, Carrick's decisions were being lauded. Choosing Bryan Mbeumo up front instead of Benjamin Sesko and deploying Patrick Dorgu at left-wing were both justified on a derby day to remember in January. That run ultimately landed Carrick the job on a permanent basis.
Now the scrutiny is back on the same two characters after a defeat that feels particularly damaging. A week ago, Carrick shot down the idea that United had had a disappointing start, but there is no avoiding the reality now.
Left-back gap exposed
Carrick would be right to call out Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, and their INEOS paymasters, over the failure to sign a left-back this summer. While Manchester City act like one of the world's biggest football clubs, United are trying to rebuild on a budget, leaving holes that can't be filled.
While City could leave an £85million midfielder on the bench, United's back-up left-back is a winger. Dorgu shone under Carrick last season, but on the evidence of this week, he can't continue to fill in for Luke Shaw.
Attack fails to fire
Carrick does at least have options in attack. It felt inevitable that he would return to his false nine system, despite Sesko's recent efforts. It was another move that backfired.
Of United's first 15 shots, 10 were from outside the box, and an xG tally of 0.54 showed how unlikely it was that any would get past Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian was finally forced into a good save in the 95th minute, when Bruno Fernandes found Mbeumo in space.
There is too much of a reliance on Fernandes to spark this side into life. Until that pass to Mbeumo, his biggest contribution had been teasing Phil Foden into seeing the red mist that earned him a red card.
Haaland goal decisive
It had been a surprise to see Dorgu keep his place, having struggled defensively against Sabah, and his wayward defensive header sparked a City attack. Dorgu then ended up in a poor position, marooned on the right, playing Erling Haaland onside and leaving the space the Norwegian exploited.
The VAR review to confirm the goal took an age, and United were right to feel aggrieved that it was given. Enzo Fernandez had thrown his head at the ball in the centre, causing Senne Lammens to slide onto his knees expecting an effort at goal, so when the ball went through to Haaland, the United goalkeeper was out of position.
City now had even more reason to sit deep and United's efforts became increasingly desperate. Enzo Maresca danced on the touchline at the full-time whistle, while Carrick was left to stroke his chin in disbelief. He needs to find answers to the first major test of his Old Trafford reign.
