Manchester United have endured their worst start to a league season since 1986, with Michael Carrick coming under increasing pressure following Saturday’s disappointing draw against Tottenham.
Carrick encouraged despite worst league start in 40 years
The Red Devils have won just one of their opening six Premier League matches, leaving them 13th in the table and already four points adrift of the Champions League places.
United have also crashed out of the EFL Cup and are without a victory in their last four matches in all competitions, raising serious questions about Carrick’s future at Old Trafford.
Saturday’s clash with Spurs offered another opportunity to turn things around, but United were largely second best before Rodrigo Bentancur’s red card handed them a numerical advantage.
Carrick’s side subsequently took the lead, only to surrender control despite having an extra man, with some poor defending from Lisandro Martinez allowing Tottenham to snatch a point.
Nevertheless, Carrick was pleased with his side’s improvement after the interval: “You could see it was tough and challenging, one of those days where it doesn’t look great on the eye. We worked through it really well.
“I just thought, in general, there were a number of things we wanted to improve on from the first half. It was more about the belief and the composure and confidence to wipe it clean and take it on a level and look more like ourselves.
“The boys had started to feel their way into the game a little better and, towards the end of the first half, we were starting to look like our normal selves. We weren’t like that earlier in the game.
“Certainly in the second half, I think everything went up a level, and we looked much better for it.”
The United boss also reserved praise for debutant Carlos Baleba, who made a positive impression after his introduction.
“I think you can get that (impact) from a new signing, something fresh, I understand that. He did well, it was good to have him on the pitch. I think he helped, certainly helped.”
Man Utd closing in on Antonio Conte agreement
Despite Carrick’s positive assessment, speculation surrounding his future is intensifying, with United reportedly making significant progress towards appointing Antonio Conte as his replacement.
According to Italian journalist Enzo Bucchioni, relayed by Sport Witness, the former Chelsea and Tottenham manager is now approaching an agreement with the Red Devils.
“Meanwhile, for the record and for all Juventus fans (there are many) still hoping for Antonio Conte’s return, the former Juventus manager is reaching an agreement with Manchester United, who have had a poor start to the Premier League season.”
The development follows reports from Calciomercato.it, suggesting United were seriously considering dismissing Carrick and could open negotiations with Conte at the beginning of this week.
The Italian is reportedly enthusiastic about the prospect of taking charge at Old Trafford, having been out of management since leaving Napoli at the end of last season.
United are also believed to have made initial contact with Conte’s representatives last month, although there has been no official confirmation of an agreement.
Antonio Conte could bring winning mentality to Man Utd
Conte would arrive at Old Trafford with an impressive managerial CV, having enjoyed considerable success across England and Italy.
The 57-year-old won three consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus before guiding Chelsea to the Premier League title in his first season in English football, securing a remarkable 30 victories from 38 matches.
He subsequently lifted the FA Cup with the Blues and secured further Italian league titles with Inter Milan and Napoli, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most decorated coaches.
Antonio Conte’s record vs Manchester United
|
Date |
Club |
Result |
Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
|
19/10/2022 |
Tottenham |
Lost 0-2 |
Premier League |
|
12/03/2022 |
Tottenham |
Lost 2-3 |
Premier League |
|
19/05/2018 |
Chelsea |
Won 1-0 |
FA Cup |
|
25/02/2018 |
Chelsea |
Lost 1-2 |
Premier League |
|
05/11/2017 |
Chelsea |
Won 1-0 |
Premier League |
|
16/04/2017 |
Chelsea |
Lost 0-2 |
Premier League |
|
13/03/2017 |
Chelsea |
Won 1-0 |
FA Cup |
|
23/10/2016 |
Chelsea |
Won 4-0 |
Premier League |
His demanding approach has earned praise from former Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund after the pair worked together at Napoli.
“I still have a lot to learn, and I’m sure Conte is the right coach to help me grow in many ways. Compared to Rasmus in August, I’m a different player. I’m still improving, and even though I’m not very young, I’m sure I still have a lot of room for improvement,” the Dane said last season.
“He’s mentally incredibly strong. I’m fascinated by his mentality: he’s passionate, fierce. And he’s a winner. In fact, a serial winner. And if he doesn’t win, we immediately understand that we haven’t won.”
Whether Conte gets the opportunity to bring that mentality to Old Trafford remains to be seen, but Carrick faces a crucial period in his attempts to save his job.
United travel to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League before another difficult away fixture against Leeds United, with the pressure firmly on Carrick to deliver results and prevent speculation over his future from intensifying further.