cover art for Man United enter international break in relegation zone
cover art for Man United enter international break in relegation zone
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Manchester United and Aston Villa played out a truly remarkable 4-4 draw at Old Trafford. It may well have been a terrific spectacle for the neutral viewer, and it was a rollercoaster for partisans, but the result does little for United and Michael Carrick.
Early goals in each half, all featuring individual defensive errors, plunged the home side into two massive holes... that they then played themselves back into the game twice is commendable. But, this performance and result, like many this season, falls a long way below the expected standard.
The picture is bleak; United go into the November international break in 18th place in the Premier League, just a point above Crystal Palace in last. Can Michael Carrick realistically continue as head coach?
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01:20:40| Wednesday, November 4, 2026Get ready; this is what it's like to podcast after a Manchester United victory... it's been so long we can barely remember, or in Cerys's case literally can't, but Roma and their fans were sent packing from Old Trafford on Tuesday night.Matheus Cunha fired the rocket after Michael Carrick lit the half-time fuse on an explosive second half performance, one where we saw everything we've been missing from the team and the squad this season. Tireless running, aggressive pressing, brave passing, clinical finishing, and the occasional stroke of luck, too... yes, really.To be honest, all of those things were missing in the first half of the same game, too. The danger man we identified in our preview, Donyell Malen, scored a penalty to put the Giallorossi two up inside twenty minutes and it all seemed to be carrying on as it has this season so far.Thankfully. It didn't. Let's see what happens next.
53:45| Sunday, November 1, 2026Another week, another painful watch, and another round of Premier League games without a win. Michael Carrick may or may not have been granted additional time as head coach but unless results improve the consequences for him, and the club, will be severe.While the first half display at Stamford Bridge was more positive, Morgan Rogers' passage through the United defence before scoring was no less alarming. Then, in the second half, United collapsed with Lisandro Martinez conceding a penalty and receiving two yellow cards in as many minutes. His form, and his contribution this season, come into sharp focus.Carrick must now prepare his squad for the Champions League visit of peak-form AS Roma. Martinez's inclusion, or otherwise, might give a hint to the Argentine's future, while the atmosphere at Old Trafford is tricky to predict as fans balance genuine anger with a desire for improvement.
Despite what you might have read earlier in the week, Manchester United have not sacked head coach Michael Carrick. He will continue with his 'normal' duties for the game at Chelsea, and potentially beyond. Is it a show of support, though?Whatever may happen in the future his task now is to galvanise a squad that is low on confidence, one that has been sent a message by fans. He will also need to get his captain onside and get him back to his best form.He'll have to do it all without Benjamin Sesko until at least January. Laurie's exclusive story this week explains the reason behind his extended absence since early this season and why the club are carefully managing his return to action.