Despite the huge promise building at Old Trafford in recent months, it\u2019s safe to say Manchester United<\/a> fans have suffered a reality check in the Premier League<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Red Devils have only won one of their first five encounters in the Premier League, subsequently seeing the club occupy a place in the bottom half of the table.<\/p>\n As a result, Michael Carrick<\/a> has become a man under pressure, and it\u2019s hard to argue with such a fact given the stats his side have produced over recent months.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Big-money was spent at Old Trafford over the summer to try and help Carrick be a success this campaign, but it\u2019s safe to say the additions have so far been unsuccessful.<\/p>\n Throughout the first five games of the new campaign, the Red Devils have only averaged 13 tackles made per 90 – with such a figure the fourth-lowest in the division.<\/p>\n Such numbers showcase the new midfield additions have been unable to break up the play at the heart of the side and have often allowed the opposition to walk through the middle of the park.<\/p>\n At the other end of the pitch, the attacking department have been just as disappointing, as seen by their tally of 182 touches in the opposition box this term.<\/p>\n Whilst such a figure is the highest in the division, their tally of just eight goals this term showcases the struggles in front of goal and their inability to take advantage of the opportunities.<\/p>\n PL teams with most touches in 18-yard box (2026\/27)<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n Rank<\/p>\n<\/th>\n Team<\/p>\n<\/th>\n Touches in opposition box<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n 1<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Manchester United<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 181<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n 2<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Fulham<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 159<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n 3<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Arsenal<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 157<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n 4<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Chelsea<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 157<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n 5<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Manchester City<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 154<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n 6<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Brentford<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 150<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n 7<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Brighton<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 148<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n 8<\/p>\n<\/td>\n Tottenham<\/p>\n<\/td>\n 148<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n Carrick\u2019s men have also registered the second highest shot on target per 90 rate this campaign, which further demonstrates their lack of clinical edge in the final third.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n United\u2019s inability to threaten in attacking areas has been just one area in which the side have struggled this campaign, but the manager certainly hasn\u2019t covered himself in glory.<\/p>\n His first team selections have constantly been called into question over recent weeks, with his decisions undoubtedly costing the Red Devils in key encounters.<\/p>\n He\u2019s started Marcus Rashford in four of the five Premier League games this campaign, with such a call seeing a portion of the fanbase voice their frustrations.<\/p>\n The Englishman has failed to register a single goal or assist in the Premier League throughout 2026\/27 and has contributed to the recent struggles within attacking areas.<\/p>\n At the other end of the field, the manager has also stood by full-back Diogo Dalot to provide the goods, another call which has seen the supporters question his selections.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As a result of the recent struggles in Manchester, INEOS have been working behind the scenes to draw up a list of possible replacements in the near future.<\/p>\n Brighton & Hove Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler has been touted as one possible replacement<\/a> after catching the eye during his tenure in charge at the AMEX Stadium.<\/p>\n\n The stats behind Man Utd\u2019s struggles in 2026\/27<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n![\"Man](\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/man-united-and-michael-carrick.jpeg?q=49&fit=crop&w=825&dpr=2\"\/)
\n <\/picture>Reuters\/Lee Smith<\/small><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n
\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How Carrick has put himself in danger of the sack at United<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n![\"Manchester](\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/manchester-united-manager-michael-carrick-looks-dejected-after-the-match.JPG?q=49&fit=crop&w=825&dpr=2\"\/)
\n <\/picture>REUTERS\/Phil Noble<\/small><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n Why Carrick\u2019s potential replacement could get Rashford firing<\/strong>
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