Manchester United have had a turbulent start to the season, with injuries, VAR controversies and off-field distractions all contributing to a sense of frustration at Old Trafford
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick has reacted to an apology(Image: Getty)
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Manchester United's start to the new campaign has been far from straightforward, with Michael Carrick's side already facing some significant challenges.
On-field results and performances have been patchy, while a series of issues off the pitch have combined to make for a difficult start at Old Trafford. Carrick has also had to contend with a growing injury list, with new signing Carlos Baleba having to wait several weeks to make his United debut after arriving from Brighton.
Meanwhile, VAR has once again been a source of frustration and there has also been considerable attention on academy prospect JJ Gabriel, with the 15-year-old reportedly pushing to leave United despite being regarded by the club as a potential first-team player.
With the first international break now providing some breathing space, United can regroup before the domestic campaign resumes. Here is the latest from Old Trafford.
Carrick reacts to Pro Ref apology
Michael Carrick has played down the importance of the apology that Manchester United received from Pro Ref, formerly known as PGMOL, following the VAR error that allowed Manchester City's winner to stand in the Manchester derby.
Pro Ref chief Howard Webb acknowledged that an officiating error had occurred after Erling Haaland's winning goal was given despite City team-mate Enzo Fernandez being in an offside position. The goal was initially disallowed before a VAR review overturned the decision made by the referee on the pitch.
The incident prompted widespread scrutiny, with questions raised over why Fernandez's position had not been considered during the review. United were subsequently contacted and offered an apology shortly after the final whistle.
Erling Haaland scores for Man City against Man Utd
Erling Haaland's goal against Man United was controversially allowed to stand(Image: Getty)
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Carrick continues to back the use of VAR, although he conceded that the apology did little to ease his frustration with the incident. "Listen, one-off things can happen," he said. "I've got faith in [the system] of course... [but] the apology doesn't mean an awful lot.
"I can appreciate it and I respect them for putting their hands up and saying 'we got that wrong'. It happens. Moving forward, we just have to deal with what's thrown in front of us."
Man Utd told season 'hinges on Baleba'
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha believes Carlos Baleba could prove central to United's campaign as he looks to establish himself as the successor to Casemiro in midfield.
The Cameroon international moved to United from Brighton for £70million during the summer and is expected to become Carrick's preferred option in the No. 6 role. Casemiro had occupied the position for much of his time at Old Trafford before his departure, leaving United in need of a new player capable of providing protection and progression from deep.
Saha feels Baleba has the physical qualities and technical ability required to take on that responsibility, but believes United will need to get the best out of him if they are to maximise the potential of their attacking players.
Carlos Baleba could make his first Manchester United squad.
Louis Saha thinks Carlos Baleba will be key for Man Utd this season(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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"Manchester United's season will only truly begin once Carlos Baleba is fit enough to be the starting, first-choice midfielder in the team," the Frenchman said. "He brings more power to the game than Kobbie Mainoo or Youri Tielemans, who are both great footballers, but Baleba has a greater engine and can take this team to a higher level.
"I like how aggressive he can be with the ball, and I think he can drive forward to break the lines with his dribbling. It would be a mistake to put him into a system that stops him doing that.
"He can be like Casemiro, who was not a dribbler but he was able to get the team up the pitch and play passes high to the striker or the wingers straight away. He recovered the ball and his first pass was always forward. Sometimes he made mistakes or lost the ball but it doesn't matter because the benefit to the team compensated that.
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"This is the job of the defence to give their midfielders the confidence to take these risks and find other players. If they don't feel they can take these risks, it is a great shame because right now Manchester United have a forward line of real killers.
"They just aren’t being given the freedom to play. Carlos Baleba can give them that freedom and unlock the team more than Kobbie Mainoo or Youri Tielemans but they can provide that balance. You need both."