Manchester United endure mixed start to season
After five matches, they have five points. United's record stands at one win, two draws, and two defeats.
Not enough for the ambitions of the 20-time Premier League champions. Against Manchester City, they failed to capitalize on a man advantage for over 70 minutes. Even though Haaland's goal should not have counted due to an offside position.
In the EFL Cup against Brighton & Hove Albion, they squandered a 2-0 lead. Against Everton, they conceded a 2-2 equalizer in injury time (90+6.), and on the first matchday of the Premier League, they suffered an embarrassing 0-2 defeat against Hull City.
Fernandes carries the entire team
As in previous years, Bruno Fernandes remains the only straw Manchester United can cling to.
Even in what has been a mediocre season for him so far, the creative attacking midfielder has four goal contributions in five games. Other stars like Rashford, Cunha, Sesko, or Mbeumo are still lagging behind their best performances.
The eleven goals conceded in seven competitive matches also show that Michael Carrick's defense is far from solid.
Carrick must deliver
Michael Carrick took over the "Red Devils" on an interim basis last season on January 13, with the team in sixth place.
The former United midfielder won 12 of the subsequent 17 matches. He had an average of 2.29 points per game and secured a Champions League spot with the "Red Devils" by finishing third.
The Englishman was celebrated – fans vehemently demanded an extension. Had Carrick maintained this points average throughout the entire season, United would have reached 87 points. Arsenal became champions with 85 points.
Now, things look very different again. Only twelfth place in the league and a cup exit against Brighton. Only in the Champions League did they secure a customary 4-0 victory against Sabah FK in their opening match.
Transfers not yet working as desired
This summer, United revamped their midfield following the departures of Casemiro and Ugarte. Around 170 million euros were spent on Tielemans, Santos, and Baleba.
Tielemans has started every game; he is performing as expected, but cannot yet replace Casemiro's attacking qualities.
Baleba has not yet played a single game for United; the young midfielder sustained an ankle injury during pre-season. Santos has primarily been used as a substitute, with Mainoo ahead of him in the pecking order.
In their next game after the international break, they will play against the bottom-placed team. They will host a similarly struggling Tottenham Hotspur.
