Michael Carrick matches a very poor Premier League record at Man Utd, leading to talks about him being sacked.
Michael Carrick has matched an unwanted Premier League record at Manchester United after their 1-1 draw with Fulham.
United looked set to lose their third league game of the season when Lisandro Martinez scored an own goal, putting Fulham ahead with less than 30 minutes left. But Matheus Cunha’s deflected shot saved a point for the visitors in the 89th minute.
Gary Neville didn’t hold back, criticizing Man United players for “walking” during the first 15 minutes after halftime. He called it the “worst” he’s seen the team play since becoming a fan. This poor performance at Craven Cottage hasn’t helped fans’ hopes ahead of a three-week international break.
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United have now earned just five points from a possible 15, tying a disappointing record. According to Opta, this is their joint-lowest start in a Premier League season, matching 2014/15.
After a loss to 10-player Manchester City at Old Trafford last weekend and a bad Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton midweek, another poor result doesn’t help Carrick prove he’s the right man to lead the team.
Though Carrick might have been let down by the club’s summer transfer struggles—failing to sign a new left-back, winger, and striker—he’s also been questioned over his decisions. During the Fulham game, he didn’t make his first substitution until the 77th minute, swapping the quiet Marcus Rashford for Joshua Zirkzee, and he stuck with the same tactics despite the team’s struggles.
His players didn’t make it easier, running 6 km less than Fulham and covering the least distance of any Premier League team so far this season, according to FotMob.
It’s no surprise then that fans and experts are already talking about Carrick’s future at Old Trafford after just five league games. Former Arsenal striker Perry Groves told talkSPORT, “Man United are a half-and-half team. Their pressing is half-hearted, and they don’t defend well in their own third. I don’t think Michael Carrick will last half the season.”
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The disappointing display against Fulham only adds to the doubt. But Carrick has said it’s “ridiculous” to worry about how long he will keep the job after a few bad results. “I know the club, the role, and what’s expected,” he said on September 18. “Thinking about my future or ownership isn’t on my mind. It’s just two or three games too many because I hate losing, but it’s not the end of the world.”
After the international break, Man United will face a struggling Tottenham Hotspur. It’s a crucial match and a chance for Carrick to quiet the rumors about his future.