Manchester United’s new manager Michael Carrick faces a daunting test this week, with two high‑profile away fixtures looming after a string of poor results. The Red Devils are winless in five of their last six matches across all competitions, most recently drawing 1‑1 with ten‑men Tottenham Hotspur after a late equaliser from Dominic Solanke. Carrick’s side now have to travel to Atlético Madrid for a Champions League clash on Tuesday night and then head to Elland Road for a Premier League showdown against Leeds United on Wednesday.
The upcoming matches are seen as pivotal for United’s season. Atlético Madrid are a formidable opponent at their home ground, known for a solid defensive record and a reputation for being difficult to beat in Europe. Leeds United, meanwhile, are a top‑flight side that recently ended an unbeaten run against Arsenal and are eager to secure a win against their historic rivals. The combination of a European tie and a domestic derby places Carrick under intense scrutiny, especially after the club’s recent lack of victories.
In a Sky Sports column, former England midfielder Paul Merson expressed concern over Carrick’s situation. Merson noted that while Tottenham had shown signs of improvement, United had yet to display any positive change. He described the week as a “nightmare” for the new manager, highlighting the difficulty of the fixtures and suggesting that a loss in either game could jeopardise Carrick’s future. Merson also reflected on Carrick’s appointment, recalling the optimism that surrounded his hiring after the 2023‑24 season when he guided United into the Champions League, and questioned whether the manager could handle the pressure of a losing streak.
Merson went on to speculate about potential replacements, naming Unai Emery, Eddie Howe, and Antonio Conte as possible candidates who could bring experience and stability. He also commented on Tottenham’s offensive struggles, noting that the Spurs have yet to find a reliable centre‑forward and that their recent performance has been underwhelming despite dominating play. Merson praised Sandro Tonali’s potential but stressed the need for a proven goalscorer in the Spurs’ attack.
United’s next steps will hinge on the outcomes of the two away matches. A victory against Atlético could lift the team’s confidence and secure a place in the Champions League knockout stages, while a win over Leeds would be crucial for league standing and could stave off further criticism of Carrick’s tactics. The club’s board and fans will be watching closely to see whether the manager can reverse the current slump or if a change in leadership becomes inevitable.