Manchester United's confusing penalty area conundrum suggests Michael Carrick is doing a very good job

Manchester United’s points tally tells the story of a disappointing start to the season and pressure is building on Michael Carrick.

The 1-1 draw to Fulham this week means that Manchester United have collected just five points from their opening five Premier League matches.

In particular, the lack of effort in United’s performances is concerning. United were outrun by Fulham, and the Red Devils are also yet to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League.

So the general mood around the fanbase is bleak, but one statistic offers some hope about how United have been playing.

Man United are dominating both penalty areas

This season, there have been complaints about United’s poor attacking output, as well as the disorganised defending at the back.

So it is extremely confusing to know that United have actually been the best team in the Premier League at attacking the opposition’s penalty area, AND the best at defending their own.

According to Opta, Manchester United have had more touches in the opposition box than any other Premier League team this season (182).

They have also seen their opponents have the fewest inside their own penalty area (92).

Is Michael Carrick building the right foundations?

It is a head-scratching stat. United have had the most touches in the opposition box yet have only scored eight goals in the Premier League.

Similarly, United have allowed the fewest touches in their penalty area, yet have conceded eight goals.

Those figures suggest Carrick is putting United players in strong positions, yet they aren’t delivering in the most important moments.

READ MORE: Man Utd fans at Craven Cottage clearly told Michael Carrick what they thought of 80th minute decision

Carrick’s job is to set up a system that allows United to attack the opposition box. It’s then up to players to finish chances, and so far United have been extremely wasteful.

The tactical setup is clearly also denying chances to opponents, but there have been too many individual mistakes that have led to goals.