Reuters/Peter Cziborra
After leading Manchester United to a third-place finish in the Premier League last season, it was unthinkable that Michael Carrick would be a man under pressure just five games into the new season.
The 45-year-old was handed over £100m worth of funds to improve his senior ranks, but it’s safe to say the additions are yet to have the desired effect at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have only won one of their first five league games so far this campaign, subsequently entering the first international break in 12th position.
REUTERS/Phil Noble
The manager has certainly got some of his selection calls wrong over the last couple of weeks, which has seen the club ultimately struggle massively in England’s top-flight.
Why Carrick got it all wrong against Fulham
Despite securing a late draw against Fulham yesterday, Carrick undoubtedly got numerous selection calls wrong, which cost his side dear come the final whistle.
Full-back Luke Shaw was handed a return to the starting eleven after missing the Manchester Derby last week, with Patrick Dorgu dropping down to the substitutes bench.
REUTERS/Toby Melville
The Englishman was unable to have the desired effect at either end of the pitch, subsequently failing to complete a single cross or dribble during the stalemate.
He even failed to win a single ground duel during the clash at Craven Cottage, which often saw the likes of Oscar Bobb and Kevin get the better of him throughout the contest.
He certainly wasn’t alone in failing to deliver during the 1-1 draw, with winger Bryan Mbeumo once again failing to deliver his best performance in Carrick’s starting seven.
The Cameroonian international could only place 20% of his shots on target yesterday afternoon, whilst only achieving a 40% dribble success rate in the process.
His struggles were further highlighted in his measly 44% ground duel success rate, as opposition full-back Antonee Robinson managed to nullify the threat of the big-money winger.
How Carrick can save his Man Utd job after the international break
After a run of three games without a win in the last week, it would be a surprise to no one to see Carrick under pressure at Old Trafford - with fans starting to get frustrated over recent games.
The manager himself has been questioned over his lack of emotion in the role, which has led fans to wonder whether he is the right man to lead the side forward.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick reacts after the match
Questions will undoubtedly be asked during the current international break as to whether a new manager will make any difference, or if the higher-ups need to take responsibility.
However, one thing is for sure: the 45-year-old does need to take responsibility for his continued selection of Marcus Rashford, who has massively struggled so far this campaign.
The 28-year-old spent last season on loan at Barcelona, registering 25 combined goals and assists, leading to many calling out for the winger to return to Old Trafford.
Should Man Utd sack Michael Carrick during the international break?
Carrick certainly answered such demands and advocated for the Englishman to remain at his boyhood club beyond the end of the summer transfer window.
He’s since started all but one game for the Red Devils in the Premier League this campaign, but has failed to register a single goal or assist despite playing against two of the newly promoted outfits. Truthfully, he's becoming something of an Anthony Martial. He's got so much promise, so much talent, yet in reality, he's rather outstayed his welcome now, just as Martial did.
His stats from his display against the Cottagers yesterday were another example of his struggles of late, with the manager desperately needing to drop him from the starting eleven.
REUTERS/Toby Melville
Rashford had the most shots of any player in United’s squad yesterday, but failed to find the back of the net and ended the game with two big chances missed. It was Martial-esque. He was threatening but ultimately lacked any sort of end product.
He could also complete just one successful dribble attempt, whilst making just two passes into the final third - highlighting his struggles against Arbeloa’s men.
The winger was caught offside and could only complete 33% of the crosses he attempted, further reaffirming his lack of quality when having the ball at his feet.
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Marcus Rashford - stats against Fulham
Statistics
Minutes played
Touches
Pass accuracy
Shot on target accuracy
Big chances missed
Cross success
Offsides
Possession lost
Passes into final third
His wasteful nature in attacking was further evident with his tally of 11 times possession lost, with the attacker unable to deliver the goods in attacking areas.
The manager has showcased that he’s willing to stand by his attacking players, but ultimately it’s getting to a point where Rashford is in need of being dropped.
Carrick’s job is undoubtedly becoming more and more under threat, and he could massively do himself a favour by changing his system and taking Rashford out of the firing line.
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