| Coming Matches |
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2026-10-10 @ 17:30
Premier League (H)(LgPL)
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2026-10-18 @ 14:00
Premier League (A)(LgPL)
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2026-10-25 @ 14:00
Premier League (H)(LgPL)
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2026-10-31 @ 12:30
Premier League (A)(LgPL)
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2026-11-07 @ 15:00
Premier League (H)(LgPL)
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| Recent Results |
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2026-09-20 (A)(LgPL)
1-1 vs Fulham
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2026-09-16 (H)(LCup)
2-3 vs Brighton & Hove Albion
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2026-09-13 (H)(LgPL)
0-1 vs Manchester City
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2026-09-10 (H)(ECup)
4-0 vs Sabah
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2026-09-06 (A)(LgPL)
2-2 vs Everton
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Three things Michael Carrick must do to fix Manchester United
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Posted by
Bill on
2026-09-23 @ 4:00:56 +0000
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Michael Carrick has work to do to turn Manchester United's season around
To call Manchester United's start to the season underwhelming is probably underselling it. After a summer in which a sense of momentum had built, the good vibes have already disappeared, and there is a concerning sense of deja-vu among supporters.
United have been here too often in recent years and most people will think they already know how this ends. Once a manager starts to feel the pressure in the way Michael Carrick has over the past week, turning it around can be almost impossible.
What looked like a kind start to the season on paper has proved to be anything but. There have been just two wins from seven games in all competitions and United are already 10 points off the top of the Premier League table.
It took only 90 minutes for it to look like this season was going to be a bigger challenge than anyone expected. Defeat to Hull City on the opening weekend of the season is a blow from which United haven't yet recovered.
To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.
The Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton was the kind of result from which it can be almost impossible to recover and while United - and Carrick - have had some misfortune, there should be alarm bells ringing as well.
The late equaliser at Fulham at least avoided three weeks of speculation over his future, but the elongated international break has to be put to good use. The schedule is demanding when the action resumes and the games are only going to get harder as well.
Those United players not on international duty will get some time off this week before returning to Carrington, and the full squad will be back together in the days before the Premier League fixture with Tottenham.
So what does Carrick need to focus on between now and then to try and make sure this is just a blip, rather than the beginning of the end of another managerial tenure at Old Trafford?
The running stats don't look kind for United at the moment and there was some disagreement internally over whether this is an issue or not at Fulham. After Matheus Cunha had said the team lacked energy at the start of the second half, Carrick insisted fitness wasn't a problem.
It's certainly being overplayed to a degree. The bigger concern is that this isn't a team set up to run. A midfield of Kobbie Mainoo, Youri Tielemans and Bruno Fernandes isn't going to thrive if games become a physical battle. They are set up to control games.
The issue is that it goes against the current trend in the Premier League, where pace, power and physicality are prized assets. You fear for United if Carrick thinks he can achieve success without compromising on his ideals of a midfield that prizes possession above all else.
We're not going to see an instant change in how United approach games from a running perspective, but Carlos Baleba could make a difference. He is quicker than the current options in central midfield and can naturally cover more ground. His energy and approach to the game could bring about an improvement and he needs to be starting sooner rather than later.
Benjamin Sesko will have further scans on his shin this week before United devise a treatment plan for the Slovenian striker, but the fear is he will need another spell on the sidelines.
As the only natural striker in the squad, his absence is a blow, especially as the attack isn't functioning well enough at the moment. Something needs to change.
Cunha as the false nine isn't working and there doesn't appear to be much understanding between Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Marcus Rashford at the moment.
Mbeumo has done well for Carrick as a No. 9 and he can be the answer through the middle, with Shea Lacey or Amad on the right. Carrick clearly likes a flexible front three, and maybe he returns Cunha to the left and start to use Rashford off the bench.
The issue with the running stats is that United can't control games either. If the midfield was functioning as Carrick wants to, Mainoo and Tielemans would be seeing more of the ball, the team would be dominating possession and how far they are running and how hard they work out of possession wouldn't be the issue it is now.
Carrick wants a midfield that can bring control to the Premier League but that is easier said than done at the moment. United couldn't control the game against Everton when they led twice and they had zero control against Brighton, despite leading 2-0.
Even away at Fulham, who began the day bottom of the Premier League, it felt like the game was being played on their terms more than United's.
Carrick needs his style to stick sooner rather than later. He has built a team for possession so they need to start delivering that and showing they can shut games down when they need to.
Tyrone Marshall is the Manchester Evening News' Manchester United Correspondent. A seasoned journalist, he began by covering Burnley during their time in the Premier League before joining the Manchester Evening News (MEN) in 2018. Since then, he has closely followed the fortunes of United, delivering comprehensive coverage of one of the world's biggest clubs.
Over the course of his career, Tyrone has reported from major domestic and European finals and travelled on multiple pre-season tours, providing on-the-ground insight and analysis. His work spans breaking news, in-depth features, match reports and opinion pieces. Recognised for the quality of his reporting, Tyrone has received industry awards for his football journalism.
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Lewis Hall makes Man United transfer claim after Newcastle decision
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Posted by
Bill on
2026-09-22 @ 19:00:58 +0000
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Manchester United summer transfer target Lewis Hall has opened up about the decision to extend his stay with Newcastle, insisting that the speculation surrounding his future did not affect him. The left-back was a key target for United in the transfer window, but a deal could not be reached.
Hall has since ended speculation about his future by signing a contract extension at St James' Park. He put pen-to-paper earlier this month on a deal which runs until 2031, and has credited new manager Matthias Jaissle as a big factor over the decision.
United were keen to add to their left-back options in the summer, but having already sold Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle were determined not to sell another key player. Hall has impressed with his performances so far this season, scoring in last weekend's 2-1 win over Hull City.
To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.
When asked whether the transfer speculation had affected him, the full-back said: "No, honestly, it didn't. I guess whenever you're linked to another team, you know that you're doing something right. I guess it's just a credit to your own performances and how you are as a player, how you are as a person.
"I took that as a positive, but at the same time, I knew how much I love playing here and I knew that since the manager came in, I knew the ambitions and what we wanted to achieve.
"After not many conversations, not many training sessions, I knew that the manager was going to be really good for this club and I knew that as a team, bringing in new players and improving the squad was really important and as soon as we did that, it was a no-brainer really to sign."
Lewis Hall was on the scoresheet for newcastle vs Hull City.
Newcastle have claimed victory in two of their five matches, suffering only a single defeat, with Jaissle making a positive impression as he integrates a number of new summer recruits, many of whom were largely untested at this level.
Hall, despite enduring some testing moments - including conceding a stoppage-time penalty against Liverpool - has largely been a standout performer, earning himself a recall to the England squad.
He missed out on the World Cup in the summer, largely due to a dip in form during the closing weeks of the season. Hall was reportedly frustrated that Howe deployed him on the right rather than in his natural position, a factor he is said to have linked to his declining performances.
United, meanwhile have had problems in the left-back position. Luke Shaw is the only natural senior option in the position, but has been struggling with injury the last couple of weeks.
Patrick Dorgu, more naturally a winger, has deputised. Shaw returned to the starting line-up for the weekend's draw against Fulham but was replaced by Dorgu in the second half as he steps up his comeback.
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Bruno Fernandes concern raised as Man United handed 'alarming' verdict
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Posted by
Bill on
2026-09-22 @ 18:00:57 +0000
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Bruno Fernandes has not been the same player this season
Former Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley has shared his concern over Bruno Fernandes. The ex-Scotland international also offers his view on an "alarming" start to the campaign under Michael Carrick.
The Reds enjoyed a remarkable revival under then-interim boss Carrick last term. United went from a struggling team under Ruben Amorim to one that comfortably finished third and qualified for the Champions League.
Reds captain Fernandes was at the heart of United's rise - recording a single-season Premier League record of 21 assists. However, the Portuguese has been less effective so far this term. Despite scoring a hat-trick against Ipswich, the midfielder has just one assist to his name.
To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.
And speaking on behalf of Lyllo Casino, via the Metro, Bardsley has delivered his verdict on the 32-year-old.
He said: "Bruno Fernandes looks a bit flat to me this year. Being brutally honest, and I’m his biggest advocate, I’m his biggest fan, I think he’s amazing in what he does for the team, you can never question the effort and the work he puts in that people probably don’t see beyond the goals.
"He just looks a little bit flat in himself this year, and that’s a bit of a concern, as well, because we know how important he’s been for the last four or five seasons, and without him we’d probably be in a completely different position.
"So, hopefully he can find that little bit of spark again, because if he can’t, or hopefully he can bring others along too, it’s going to be difficult if our best player is struggling."
Michael Carrick is under pressure after Manchester United's shaky start to the season
Bardsley feels the Reds' frailties have been on show from the first game of the campaign against Hull City. Bardsley believes that the 2-0 defeat in Yorkshire to a newly-promoted side was a concerning way to begin 2026/27.
The 41-year-old said: "Defensively we’re at twos and threes, which is disappointing because after Michael Carrick came last year we looked quite strong, we looked solid. I know he had to make some changes against Brighton, but these are the players that are banging on his door wanting game time, and when the opportunity presents itself, you’ve got to be ready to perform and they didn’t do that.
"The whole game [against Hull] was a bit alarming for me, honestly. Hull were brilliant on the day, but body language, fitness, energy, there was just a lack of everything. They took that into the Everton game where they went ahead twice, thinking, “Come on then, put the game to bed,” in the 88th minute when we went 2-1 up, and we conceded again.
"Then the derby was just obviously really, really disappointing. Down to 10 men for a large part of the game and we can’t unlock a defence, not asking enough questions, not crossing enough balls.
"But ultimately, defensively, across the board, you can look at the back four and say it’s not the best back four in the world, but as a collective we’ve got to be more aggressive. We’ve got to be more demanding of each other, and that’s the thing that alarms me, there’s not enough demand. Goals go in and we just turn round and do the kick-off again.
"There’s got to be some sort of demand put on each other and holding players accountable when they make mistakes, when they’re not at the races, or when they’re not stopping crosses or shots. There’s a lack of leadership there."
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Why Shea Lacey should be Manchester United answer to Benjamin Sesko setback
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Posted by
Bill on
2026-09-22 @ 15:30:48 +0000
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Michael Carrick needs to rethink Manchester United attack
Manchester United will find out the next steps for Benjamin Sesko this week, but the fact that the £73million striker is once again experiencing discomfort from a long-standing shin injury will be a concern.
Sesko managed the problem for spells of the second half of last season, only to aggravate it further against Liverpool at the start of May. That ruled him out for the best part of four months, with training managed in pre-season and no involvement in any of United's six friendlies during the summer.
The 23-year-old has been eased back in this season, but after starting against Sabah and Brighton, he is back on the treatment table. He missed the draw against Fulham and has withdrawn from international duty, which means he will go more than a year without playing for his country.
Of more concern for United is that the only natural No. 9 in the squad isn't available to Michael Carrick. Sesko scored against Everton and Sabah and has now got nine goals in 19 games under Carrick, at a rate of one every 89 minutes.
To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.
That will present a challenge if he remains absent after the international break, given the consensus that the current United attack isn't working.
Matheus Cunha has started every Premier League game as a false nine so far this season, but his deflected goal against Fulham was his first in the league and he has just three goals from 16 games as a centre-forward for United. He was signed to play as a No. 10 in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-2-1 but then looked comfortable enough on the left under Carrick.
His role this season is to link play and he did create chances at Craven Cottage, but a false nine needs speedy wingers making out-to-in runs on the flanks and he doesn't really have those players to find.
United actually had 17 shots from inside the penalty area on Sunday, but Cunha had none of them. All three of his shots came from the inside-left channel, and once again, it was Marcus Rashford who was a bigger goal threat, even if his finishing was poor.
Cunha and Rashford's shot map against Fulham
It feels like Carrick needs to change this attack to get it to click again. The only domestic game in which it has really done that was a stylish second half against Ipswich.
Joshua Zirkzee was the first attacking change at Fulham but playing the Dutchman as the No. 9 feels like a non-starter. He has nine goals in 79 games for United and it seems clear that Carrick doesn't believe he has what it takes to be a regular starter.
The leading option is probably Bryan Mbeumo. His best performances in pre-season came as a striker and he is a middle ground between Cunha and Sesko, capable of dropping deep when required but also more comfortable making those runs in behind and stretching play.
He has four goals in eight games as a centre-forward for United and did well there under Carrick last season, in a system that saw Cunha move to the left and Amad play on the right.
This season, there are enough games for Cunha and Rashford to rotate on the left wing, but Amad remains absent and isn't yet an option on the right. He could return soon after the international break, but in the meantime, Carrick should be bold and start Shea Lacey in the Premier League.
The 19-year-old should be confident after his goal against Brighton in the Carabao Cup and he brings something different and unpredictable to that forward line. His energy might mean he does a better job defensively on that wing than Mbeumo, who has switched off too often this season.
A front three of Rashford, Mbeumo and Lacey against Tottenham, with Cunha on the bench ready to make an impact and Amad and Sesko hopefully on their way back to fitness, might prove a better combination than that we have seen so far.
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The 15 Manchester United players set for extra work after poor start to the season
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Posted by
Bill on
2026-09-22 @ 11:30:50 +0000
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Marcus Rashford is among the Manchester United players not heading off on international duty
Manchester United have been unable to continue their positive end to last season. Despite comfortable wins against Ipswich Town in the Premier League and Sabah FK in the Champions League, Michael Carrick's side have underwhelmed.
Last week was particularly poor for the Reds. Off the back of losing to 10-man Manchester City at Old Trafford, United proceeded to chuck away a two-goal lead, to exit the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle. They then were largely disappointing against Fulham at Craven Cottage, relying on Matheus Cunha's late deflected strike to rescue a point against Alvaro Arbeloa's winless Premier League team.
That draw marked United's last game for three weeks as they embark on an extended international break. Several players have joined up with their national teams, but a number of United's first team squad will be remaining in Manchester for at least some of the break.
To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.
Karl Darlow, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Benjamin Sesko have withdrawn from their national teams after being selected. Mainoo was replaced on the 80th minute to boos from the away end on Sunday, having been one of United's best players in that game. Rashford picked up an 'issue' against Fulham, leaving United with no representatives in the England squad.
Darlow was picked for Wales but has withdrawn and will be assessed at Carrington, along with Sesko, who did not travel to London on Saturday for last weekend's match. Carrick explained he had a recurrence of his shin problem, that was initially sustained in May.
Senne Lammens is the only goalkeeper away on international duty, so Tom Heaton and Dermot Mee will be around Carrington over the next few weeks. However, Heaton is recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the pre-season draw with Paris Saint-Germain.
Matthijs de Ligt was a welcome sight on the train to London this weekend. He has been missing since November last year and while he did not make the bench to face Fulham, could be in line for a return against Tottenham, on October 10.
Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were again overlooked by Thomas Tuchel. The England head coach claimed he had not spoken to Maguire since his outburst after missing this summer's World Cup squad.
In midfield, Carrick has a handful of senior players to work with. Manuel Ugarte will be at Carrington as he recovers from the cruciate ligament injury he sustained at the World Cup. He is joined by Carlos Baleba, who was an unused substitute at Fulham after recovering from an ankle injury.
Mason Mount rounds off the midfield options. He is back after sustaining an injury during that pre-season fixture against PSG.
Carlo Ancelotti surprisingly left Cunha out of his Brazil squad. The forward went to the World Cup, but was overlooked for friendlies against Australia and India.
Amad is another player who is looking to overcome injury problems during the three-week break. He has not played so far this season having picked up an issue before the opening day defeat to Hull City.
Rounding off the attacking options is Joshua Zirkzee. Zirkzee is out of the loop with the Netherlands national team, and could be an option at centre-forward, if Carrick remains without Sesko post-international break.
This period allows United's boss to implement fresh ideas on those who are not on international duty, ahead of their next Premier League game. Upon the return of domestic football, the Reds will host Tottenham Hotspur, before a huge trip to Atletico Madrid three days later, in the Champions League.
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JJ Gabriel reaches 'first major agreement' on next club after Man United quit bombshell
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Posted by
Bill on
2026-09-22 @ 11:30:49 +0000
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JJ Gabriel wants out of Manchester United
Manchester United starlet JJ Gabriel has reportedly expressed a desire to move to Spain if he is to leave Old Trafford. News emerged last week claiming that the talented teenager had expressed a desire to leave United at the earliest opportunity.
Gabriel refused to take part in training last Tuesday ahead of what was expected to be his first involvement for the first team in the Carabao Cup against Brighton.
The 15-year-old has been tipped for a bright future, and was on the cusp of being United’s youngest-ever player for the first team had he got any minutes against the Seagulls last week.
However, Gabriel’s desire to leave United has led to intense speculation about what the future may hold for the teenager.
A fresh update has emerged from Spain claiming that Gabriel could be set to move across Europe in the event that he were to leave United.
Sport have reported that Gabriel’s list of potential destinations now includes four clubs, two of which are in Spain. Real Madrid and Barcelona are two clubs reportedly interested in signing Gabriel, and are joined by Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
The report also claims that Gabriel and his representatives have already made the trip to Spain, including Madrid and Barcelona, with the United star reaching a 'first major agreement' that he will move to one of the aforementioned clubs rather than anywhere else.
It has been claimed that Gabriel’s preference is now to move to Spain, which gives Barcelona and Real Madrid the advantage in the battle to secure the United starlet’s signature.
Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page
Gabriel has made an impressive start to the season, most recently scoring a hat-trick in the UEFA Youth League against Sabah earlier this month.
The playmaker also has two goals and two assists to his name across just two appearances for United’s Under-21s in Premier League 2.
Gabriel is registered with United for the rest of the season and cannot be de-registered, despite his request to leave the club.
United are of the belief that the situation can still be resolved, despite Gabriel’s surprise desire to leave the club.
The teenager is just a couple of weeks away from being able to sign a scholarship with United when he turns 16 on October 6, and will have to wait until his 17th birthday to sign a professional contract.
To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.
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Xavi reaches out to 'important' Man United ace who is going through 'tough time'
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Posted by
Bill on
2026-09-22 @ 11:30:49 +0000
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Xavi is in contact with Manchester United and Matthijs de Ligt
Netherlands head coach Xavi says he is in contact with Manchester United and Matthijs de Ligt as the defender recovers from a back injury. De Ligt, 27, spent six months of last season receiving treatment before eventually requiring surgery in mid-May. That operation meant missing this summer's World Cup, where the Netherlands exited in the round of 32 on penalties to Morocco—their worst ever result.
Xavi has since replaced Ronald Koeman, five years after succeeding him at Barcelona. The former Everton and Southampton manager announced he would step down as coach the day after their elimination.
Speaking at a press conference after selecting his first squad, Xavi spoke about De Ligt, saying: "We are in contact with him and Manchester United; he has had a tough period.
To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.
Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page
"I have also been in contact with Frenkie de Jong and Xavi Simons recently. We need all players, especially these guys."
De Ligt has not played since completing the full 90 minutes of a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League at Selhurst Park last November. He has missed 33 matches for United over the past 10 months, as well as eight matches for the national team.
However, the defender was part of United's squad that travelled from Stockport railway station to Craven Cottage for their final match before this international break against Fulham.
The latest update from Michael Carrick came before his team's Carabao Cup third-round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion. United's head coach said
A month ago, Carrick said: "'He's training, and it's great to have him back," adding: "he's in good shape and moving in a good direction."
In his absence, Xavi has named five recognised central defenders in the Netherlands squad for their Nations League matches against Germany, Greece and Serbia. Those are Jan Paul van Hecke, Lutsharel Geertruida, Micky van de Ven, Nathan Ake and Virgil van Dijk.
Jorrel Hato and Jurrien Timber are also included; they are capable of playing centrally as well as out wide. Teun Koopmeiners also played there several times for Juventus last season.
De Ligt partnered with captain Van Dijk in his last appearance for the national team. They kept a clean sheet in their final World Cup qualifier, a 4-0 win over Lithuania at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, home of his boyhood club Ajax.
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Michael Carrick has four games to prove Manchester United haven't made a mistake
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Posted by
Bill on
2026-09-22 @ 11:30:48 +0000
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Michael Carrick faces a defining run of games as Manchester United head coach
An 89th-minute equaliser away at the Premier League's bottom side is never going to be a cause for popping the champagne corks at Manchester United, but Michael Carrick was right to call it a "small step" and a "good step" after dissecting events at Craven Cottage.
Matheus Cunha's deflected strike was a moment of good fortune that Carrick's side have certainly earned this season but the challenge now is to make sure it counts for something. Carrick wouldn't have lost his job even had United been beaten in the September sunshine in London, but the pressure would have been cranked up to almost unbearable levels.
As it is, that point buys the 45-year-old some breathing space. Make no mistake, this remains a seriously underwhelming and desperately dispiriting start. The momentum that felt like it was with United for the second half of last season and throughout the summer has been wiped away.
It's not just the results and a return of two wins from seven games in all competitions, it's the level of the opposition and the manner of the defeats. Brighton look an excellent side this season, but an historic collapse in the Carabao Cup is the kind of evening that can be difficult to wipe from the memory of those who will ultimately make decisions on Carrick.
To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.
Then there is the defeat to Hull that set alarm bells ringing on the first weekend of the season, and two morale-sapping draws at Everton and Fulham. This kind start has been squandered.
The problem for Carrick is that a forgiving start inevitably turns into an unforgiving test somewhere along the line and that kind of run is coming up for United. It feels essential that he use this three-week break to press the reset button and come up with some answers.
Performances haven't been good enough and there are concerns at both ends of the pitch. Defensively, United look open, there are question marks over their fitness, and the attack has gone off the boil after putting nine past Ipswich and Sabah.
After this break, United face Tottenham at Old Trafford in a game that feels like it will define the crisis club of the moment. It's a fixture United dare not lose. Despite a summer spending spree, Roberto De Zerbi's side sit bottom of the Premier League and look devoid of confidence and belief.
Victory for United will ease the pressure on Carrick, but anything else will only bring the mood down once again. Then comes a defining run of away games, with trips to Atletico Madrid, Leeds and Como in just over a week.
Perhaps it's too soon to describe that as make or break, but if the game against Tottenham doesn't go to plan, it might not far off. The intensity of Diego Simeone's Atletico will provide a demanding test and could serve as a guide to the progress made by both sides, given that United beat them in Stockholm in pre-season and looked relatively comfortable doing so.
A trip to Elland Road is always tricky for United and Leeds have started the season very well, while Como are playing with confidence and beat RB Leipzig 4-1 in their first home game in the Champions League.
It's too early to be weighing up the hypotheticals about what the results may mean, but it certainly feels like a huge couple of weeks for Carrick's United project.
The club's former midfielder has credit in the bank from the second half of last season, but it feels like it won't take much for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to press the panic button this season. United need another year of Champions League revenue to continue balancing the books and allow the kind of squad investment needed to challenge the elite at home and abroad.
If it begins to look like that is already slipping away, it would be no surprise if a change is made. That is what makes this elongated international break so crucial for Carrick and United.
He has brought himself some time at the moment, and what was right last week to call speculation over how long he has in the job "ridiculous", but every manager lives and dies by their results, and at Old Trafford they need to improve, even though the fixture list is only going to get harder from here.
Tyrone Marshall is the Manchester Evening News' Manchester United Correspondent. A seasoned journalist, he began by covering Burnley during their time in the Premier League before joining the Manchester Evening News (MEN) in 2018. Since then, he has closely followed the fortunes of United, delivering comprehensive coverage of one of the world's biggest clubs.
Over the course of his career, Tyrone has reported from major domestic and European finals and travelled on multiple pre-season tours, providing on-the-ground insight and analysis. His work spans breaking news, in-depth features, match reports and opinion pieces. Recognised for the quality of his reporting, Tyrone has received industry awards for his football journalism.
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Sesko, Rashford, Mainoo - Man United injury latest and return dates after squad withdrawals
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Posted by
Bill on
2026-09-22 @ 10:00:59 +0000
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Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United
Manchester United have a number of injury concerns to worry about as the international break begins. United went into the extended break on the back of a 1-1 draw with Fulham in the Premier League at the weekend, and will now have to wait three weeks before they are back in action.
Michael Carrick was without several first-team players for the trip to Craven Cottage on Sunday, but welcomed back some squad members. Luke Shaw was named in the starting line-up for United, while summer signing Carlos Baleba was an unused substitute on the bench, awaiting his debut following his transfer from Brighton.
With the international break now in full swing, United hope their injury list improves over the next few weeks. Tottenham Hotspur is their next opponent on October 10. Here, the Manchester Evening News reviews the latest United injury news and potential return dates.
Marcus Rashford handed United an injury scare after hobbling off in the closing stages of the draw with Fulham on Sunday.
Rashford has since been withdrawn from the England squad for the international break, but United will hope that the forward returns to full fitness in time to face Tottenham next month.
"We had to bring him off as he had a bit of an issue," Carrick told beIN Sports after the draw with Fulham.
Asked if Rashford was okay, Carrick replied: "I'm not sure."
Potential return date: Tottenham Hotspur (H) - October 10 - Premier League
United confirmed on Monday that Sesko has withdrawn from the Slovenia squad ahead of the upcoming three-week international break.
Following his withdraw, the forward said in a statement: "I am very sorry that I will have to miss the next matches of the national team. I have always played for Slovenia and will always play with heart and pride.
"Now the most important thing is to fully dedicate myself to recovery. I am already working on getting back on the field as soon as possible and helping the national team and the club again.
"I believe in our boys and I am sure that this time they will also show the team spirit that has always adorned us. I can't wait to be able to wear the jersey with the national emblem again, and until then I will be Slovenia's biggest fan. We Slovenians!"
Potential return date: Tottenham Hotspur (H) - October 10 - Premier League
Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page
Kobbie Mainoo has also been withdrawn from the England squad for the latest round of international matches.
The midfielder was substituted in the closing stages of the draw at Craven Cottage on Sunday, and is believed to be carrying an injury.
United will hope, though, that the three-week break gives Mainoo time to recover and return to full fitness.
Potential return date: Tottenham Hotspur (H) - October 10 - Premier League
Amad Diallo has not played for United so far this season due to a foot injury he picked up before the campaign began.
Carrick recently stated, though, that he hopes to have Amad back in training by the time the international break ends.
"Amad, hopefully by the time we get back, he will have trained with the group,” Carrick told MUTV. “That's a positive."
Potential return date: Tottenham Hotspur (H) - October 10 - Premier League
Matthijs de Ligt has been recovering from a back injury since November last year and is gradually working his way back to full fitness.
It remains to be seen if the defender will be available to return to the matchday squad after the international break.
“Matta is working towards his fitness as well,” Carrick said on Sunday.
Potential return date: October/November
Manuel Ugarte is still recovering from a knee injury he suffered during the World Cup, and is not expected to return for several months.
It remains to be seen if Ugarte will return to the pitch before the end of the season, with United carefully managing the midfielder’s return to full fitness.
Potential return date: Unknown
Tom Heaton hasn’t featured in the matchday squad for United this season due to a hamstring injury, and there is no timeframe on when the experienced goalkeeper will return.
Heaton is currently behind Senne Lammens and summer signing Karl Darlow in the goalkeeping pecking order at Old Trafford.
Potential return date: Unknown
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Three free agents Manchester United could sign to solve major transfer problem
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Posted by
Bill on
2026-09-22 @ 10:00:58 +0000
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Karim Benzema recently became a free agent and could be an option for Manchester United
We are five games into the Premier League season and already, Manchester United are seeing the consequences of their transfer window coming back to bite them. The focus this summer was on rebuilding the midfield. Casemiro left on a free transfer leaving United with Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte to play in the centre.
Even before his serious injury, Ugarte was not seen as part of the Old Trafford plans, so serious investment was needed. To their credit, United managed to bolster their midfield. Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba all arrived to provide Michael Carrick with options.
However, that is where the investment ended. A left-back was the next priority, but despite a last-minute attempt to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri, that position remains unstrengthened. Also lost in the midfield focus was the centre-forward role. United were looking to offload Joshua Zirkzee, but with time running out to sign a replacement, the Dutchman remains.
To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.
While Luke Shaw's recent absence has been a problem, he at least is back and starting matches. On the other hand, Benjamin Sesko missed the entirety of pre-season with a shin injury sustained in May. Since then, he has yet to complete 90 minutes and has pulled out of international duty with Slovenia as he focuses on recovery.
In the meantime, United have been putting square pegs in round holes. Amad's injury has meant Bryan Mbeumo is not leading the line, so Matheus Cunha has filled in at centre-forward. That has not worked.
With Zirkzee not trusted, Mbeumo needed on the right and Cunha struggling up top, United clearly need reinforcements - whether that's in January or, potentially, before. So with this in mind, MEN Sport has taken a look at three free agents that United could sign right now, to strengthen their attack.
Of course, Benzema is not the player he once was - United would not be signing a Ballon d'Or candidate. But the French striker could still add quality to this team.
Benzema left Al Hilal at the end of August. Last season, he scored nine goals in 10 appearances for the Saudi Pro League club. He scored in one of his two appearances this year too, before having his deal with the club terminated, after they replaced him with Ollie Watkins.
There is an issue for United if they wished to sign Benzema, beyond his age. The 38-year-old is contracted to the Saudi Pro League until 2030 in what is described as an 'ambassadorial role'. In this role, the Saudi league holds Benzema's image rights.
According to L'Equipe, Lyon were hoping to bring Benzema in and the forward was willing to forego his salary to play for them again. However, as he is keen to honour his ambassador role, negotiations to reach an agreement on his image rights, did not begin.
This is a major sticking point for United, but the lure of the Premier League could make Benzema change his mind.
Bizarrely, Icardi has not been picked up yet. The 33-year-old forward scored 14 goals for Galatasaray last season, but left the club at the end of his contract.
Icardi's agent has ruled out a move to Argentina and the suggestion is that he wants to keep playing in Europe. This week Tottenham, who are in a tougher position than United, were linked with the forward. However, reports have suggested that he is not on their radar.
This deal makes more sense than the Benzema approach. Icardi is at a better age, has done well in Europe recently and clearly still fancies a shot at a top club.
The problem for United would be that he has missed pre-season. But if the Reds were to move quickly, they could put him through his paces during this three-week international break and get him up to speed for the return of the Premier League in October.
The former Stoke City and Newcastle man has come a long way since his first stint in the Premier League. Joselu did well to return to Real Madrid in 2023, after impressing for Espanyol. He scored 17 goals in the 2023/24 season before joining Qatari side Al-Gharafa, the following year.
He left the Middle Eastern club in the summer and has since been linked with a return to the Bundesliga. Unlike Icardi, the 36-year-old has a greater physical presence, and is more suited to leading the line when Sesko is absent.
Like all of these selections, Joselu is not the striker United fans would have dreamt of signing in the summer. However, their options are limited.
The Reds need a recognised centre-forward who can provide competition and cover, to Sesko. They can't continue with this strikerless system because it is just not working.
Jack Flintham is a Sport Central Audience Writer at Reach PLC, contributing mainly to the Manchester Evening News. Covering mostly football, particularly Manchester United and Manchester City, his work can also be found in the Daily Mirror, Daily Express, Daily Star Football.London, Liverpool Echo and Leeds Live. Before joining the central sports team, Jack worked exclusively on the Manchester Evening News sports desk and was also a SEO Writer for Lincolnshire Live. Jack has been with Reach PLC since December 2021.
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