Stuttering starts and midfield rebuilds: 5 things we’ve learned about Man Utd so far this season

**The start of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign has been a harrowing one for Manchester United. **

Following a top-four finish last term, Michael Carrick has found his first full season in charge to be a severe test. Manchester United are five games into the Premier League, languishing in 12th place with five points (1 win, 2 draws, 2 losses).

As Carrick attempts to steady the ship at Old Trafford, having achieved that as interim head coach last term, he must prepare for a brutal October schedule.

Without further ado, here are five key things we have learned about United so far this season.

The stuttering ‘Carrick-Ball’ identity crisis

In January 2026, Carrick brought a sense of calm and got United back to basics before guiding the Reds to Champions League qualification. Winning football matches became a habit; however, that initial magic has given way to a severely inconsistent start to the season.

From United’s 5-2 win over Ipswich Town to the disappointing results against Hull City, Everton and Man City. This has led to questions about Carrick’s system.

United look vulnerable when opponents disrupt their rhythm. Even teams who are significantly weaker on paper. This needs to improve after the international break.

Elite change creation ruined by poor finishing

United are one of the best teams in the top flight at creating chances. That comes as a result of having Bruno Fernandes, the best player in the Premier League, even though the Portuguese Magnifico has yet to replicate the standard of performances he showed last term.

The numbers show that Carrick’s side has generated the highest volume of xG (2.31), but the problem is execution. It doesn’t help that Benjamin Sesko’s game time has been limited due to injury, or the fact that Carrick doesn’t have another recognised centre-forward to fill the void. The United head coach has had to shoehorn players like Matheus Cunha into the central role, despite the Brazilian being far more influential from the left flank.

patrockslowkey Sep 23 Five games in people. I’m as disappointed as anyone with the start. But for goodness sake get of his back all you keyboard warriors and give the man a go at it. Swapping and changing has been to our detriment in the past. Ease up on the panic mode. 0 Reply Report

Joshua Zirkzee is not a player United can rely on to convert critical chances, so it’s time for the most prominent attackers in the squad to take responsibility.

Sadly, the poor finishing is often matched by abysmal defending.

The midfield rebuild still feels incomplete

Casemiro’s summer exit led to a midfield overhaul. United signed three midfielders: Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba.

However, Kobbie Mainoo remains the main man in the middle for United, but it still feels like he doesn’t have the right partner to succeed Casemiro. Perhaps that is because Baleba’s debut has been delayed due to an ankle injury.

The engine room needs a defensive presence to help United grind out results. There will be pressure on Baleba to hit the ground running at Old Trafford.

The jury is out on all of United’s midfield signings, but at least Baleba seems like the profile of player Mainoo needs alongside him. It could make a huge difference to results as the Cameroon international will offer more protection for Carrick’s defence that has been leaking goals.

Injury fragility

Carrick has had no shortage of headaches caused by injuries at United this season. The biggest absence has been Sesko due to the lack of strikers.

However, the international break has raised more concerns. Patrick Dorgu got injured while playing for Denmark, and Bruno Fernandes sustained a knock while representing Portugal.

knightinwhitesatin 1 days ago United need to demand Fernandes returns to Carrington for treatment and not risk aggravating his injury by playing for Portugal again in the competition it’s reminiscent of Shaw going on international duty when he was injured and couldn’t play with the excuse so he could be with the squad and we paid for that with Shaw’s long absence 5 Reply Report

With United reliant on Fernandes’ progressive passing metrics, his potential absence leaves a glaring creative hole. That, coupled with lingering fitness concerns surrounding Luke Shaw, means squad depth is being pushed to its limit.

Off-pitch transfer distractions

Away from the pitch at United, JJ Gabriel’s request to leave the club has dominated the headlines. All of this creates unwelcome noise for Carrick.

United are dealing with internal friction over Gabriel, who appears set to leave before graduating to the first team. The sooner it is dealt with – and he leaves – the better, because it’s a distraction. The coaches can then use their time more constructively, developing players who are determined to make the first team at United.

stephenjholmes1 Sep 20 I am hoping that, with Ineos focusing on bringing in the youngsters, they are going to realise that there are issues within the coaching setup which needs to be overhauled. The Likes of Brighton have got it working, and we as 1 of the biggest clubs in the world keep failing. We need it to work, or the club fails. That is not an option. 0 Reply Report

What’s next for Michael Carrick’s Man Utd?

Carrick is waiting on the rest of his squad to return from the international break. That will lead to preparations for United’s match against Tottenham Hotspur on October 10.

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  Manchester United’s next six fixtures

• Tottenham (H) in the Premier League, 10 October

• Atletico Madrid (A) in the Champions League, 13 October

• Leeds (A) in the Premier League, 18 October

• Como (A) in the Champions League, 21 October

• Bournemouth (H) in the Premier League, 25 October

• Chelsea (A) in the Premier League, 31 October

Although United’s form has been dire, Tottenham haven’t won a single game this season and sit at the bottom of the Premier League table. This fixture presents a chance for United to get back to winning ways after drawing 1-1 against Fulham last time out.