Manchester United played their worst 45 minutes of football under Michael Carrick in the first half against Leeds United.
A brace from Leeds United forward Noah Okafor inside the first 30 minutes had Manchester United rattled and dazed at Old Trafford.
After a 24-day break between Premier League matches, United looked lethargic and rusty as they returned to action against Leeds.
Michael Carrick made no changes at half-time, but he did send a strong message to his players over the break.
Michael Carrick reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leeds United at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
DEFEAT to Leeds – What is your INSTANT REACTION?
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Bruno Fernandes reveals Michael Carrick half-time instructions
Carrick suffered his first defeat at Old Trafford as United boss, but he can at least take some pride in the second-half performance against Leeds.
United actually improved after the red card, showing more spirit and desire to get back into the game.
In his post-match comments, United captain Bruno Fernandes revealed what Carrick told the players to inspire an improved second-half showing.
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“The message at half-time was just for us to try to lift the standard and the intensity,” Fernandes said.
“To be a little more aggressive”.
Carrick left it late to make changes, but United did come very close to an equaliser when Casemiro’s header was cleared off the line. However, the Red Devils didn’t have enough to salvage a point.
Chelsea (A), Brentford (H), and Liverpool (H) are our next three fixtures – how damaging could this loss be?
United remain in third despite the defeat, there's little room for error
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Bruno Fernandes inches closer to assist record
Fernandes was left seething at full-time at United dropping points, and in his post-match comments he also refused to comment on referee Paul Tierney and the decision to send off Lisandro Martinez.
The only silver lining for the United captain is that he left Old Trafford with another assist to his name.
READ MORE: Man Utd ratings vs Leeds, Martinez sent off but 2/10 player shouldn’t play for the club again
Fernandes combined with Casemiro again to record his 17th assist of the season. It means he is now just four away from breaking the Premier League record in a single season.
There are six games remaining in the 2025/26 season for Fernandes to break the record, but as a player he will be solely focused on Champions League qualification.
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