Manchester United rescued a 4-4 draw at the death in an exceptional match against Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, but it didn't paper over the huge cracks visible at Old Trafford.
Following the remarkable turnaround against AS Roma at the Theatre of Dreams in midweek, where they came from 2-0 down at half-time to win 3-2, Carrick would have been hoping that Man United had newfound confidence and momentum to pick up just their second win of the season against Unai Emery's visitors.
The clash had extra spice to it given it has been reported by some that the Spaniard is the Red Devils' hierarchy's 'dream' appointment if they are to sack Carrick, but instead the former Arsenal boss is on course to sign a new contract to remain at Villa Park instead.
Despite the feel-good factor gained last Tuesday, United made the worst possible start as they found themselves 2-0 down within the first four minutes, following goals from Alysson and Nicolas Jackson.
At that stage you feared another collapse, but to be fair to the hosts they battled back and were level at the break thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans.
United should have been the more confident club at that stage, but they once again gave up two goals within the first eight minutes of the second half to put themselves in a difficult position again.
Injury-time goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu rescued an unlikely point, but the club remain in the Premier League relegation zone ahead of the two-week international break.
United have now conceded the joint-most goals (30) for clubs in the top five European leagues this term, and it was another poor defensive display from Carrick's side on Sunday.
The 45-year-old decided to go with Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire at the heart of his defence at the start of the match, but the latter had to be replaced at half-time due to an injury issue, being replaced by Ayden Heaven.
Heaven has made plenty of appearances for the first-team since his move from Arsenal, but this game against Villa was another sign that he is simply out of his depth at the club right now.
Heaven Needs to be Sold if United Want to Progress
REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Maybe things could be different in a different environment under a new manager at Old Trafford, but Heaven keeps showing he simply isn't good enough to wear the red shirt.
The jury very much remains out on Harry Maguire, and it consistently does, but it was apparent from the start of the second half on Sunday that Heaven was an immediate downgrade on the former Leicester City man.
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Ayden Heaven vs Aston Villa
Minutes
Touches
Defensive contributions
Tackles
Fouls committed
Yellow card
Aerial duels won
He was part of the defence of a team that should have been in the ascendency, but instead conceded twice in eight minutes at the start of the second half to find themselves 4-2 down.
He was too late in the tackle again and just 12 minutes in his substitute appearance, was booked for a dangerous looking challenge on Alysson, which meant he was walking a tightrope for the remainder of the match.
Aside from a few performances here and there, the 20-year-old is yet to show that he has the pedigree and quality to be a top centre-back for United in the future.
Of course, he is young and does have time on his side, but at a time when there is talk of a big defensive rebuild at Old Trafford in 2027, the club needs to be ruthless and sell a player who isn't showing signs he is good enough for a club that wants to get better.