[Manchester United](https://www.football365.com/manchester-united) have made a poor start to the season, but they are still in a strong position since Michael Carrick took over…
Carrick inspired United to take more Premier League points than any other club after he took charge midway through the second half of last season.
Following the sacking of Ruben Amorim and a brief handover spell for Darren Fletcher, Carrick was placed in interim charge on January 12, with United seventh.
They were in touch with the Champions League places, thanks largely to the failings of others. And when United had the opportunities to climb into the top four, it was a hurdle they could not get over.
As much as United were pretending to look up, they were only a bad weekend from the bottom half too.
Here is where Carrick found United…
**PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE ON JANUARY 13, 2026**
Under Carrick, United took more points than any other club in the final 17 games of the season.
That run earned Carrick the permanent manager’s job but their start this season has raised concerns over whether he was ready for the promotion.
United have won only one of their four Premier League matches, against promoted Ipswich at home, while losing to Hull and Manchester City around a draw at Everton.
Still, Carrick can point to a creditable points record since taking over, which puts United comfortably third between title favourited Arsenal and City.
**PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE SINCE CARRICK TOOK OVER**
Carrick, though, needs to find a way to climb this season’s table, where they sit 13th after four games with a trip to Fulham next before a three-week international break.
**[Here’s where they went wrong in the derby.](https://www.football365.com/news/michael-carrick-man-utd-failed-break-down-man-city-tactics)**