Manchester United are facing a serious problem with Michael Carrick, and refusing to acknowledge it could make their situation even worse. There comes a stage when patience stops being a virtue and instead becomes a burden. For United, that moment appears to have arrived, with supporters already feeling that the club has given its manager more than enough time.
The 4-4 draw against Aston Villa at Old Trafford once again exposed the team's shortcomings. Although United showed determination, character and produced a late comeback, their performance was also marked by defensive disorganisation, individual mistakes and another failure to secure a Premier League victory.
United will enter the November international break in 18th position, having collected just eight points from 10 matches. This is no longer a minor dip in form that can be excused by promising a rebuild or asking supporters to give the manager more time.
Carrick has received several opportunities to turn things around, but those chances have largely gone to waste. Manchester United now need to consider ending his tenure.
NO MORE CREDIT LEFT FOR CARRICK
When Carrick took charge of Manchester United, the club was going through a difficult period. The Red Devils were losing ground in the race for Champions League qualification, while Ruben Amorim had departed following a public disagreement with the club's board.
The former United midfielder initially made an impressive impact, guiding the team through a remarkable turnaround. United eventually finished third behind Arsenal and Manchester City, having defeated both rivals during his initial spell.
Carrick also secured important victories against Liverpool and Chelsea. Despite his inconsistent managerial record at Championship side Middlesbrough, United eventually appointed him permanently, with considerable excitement surrounding his arrival.
However, things have deteriorated significantly since the defeat against Hull City on the opening day of the season. United now find themselves 18th in the league, with just one victory from their first 10 matches and eight points accumulated.
Several Premier League clubs have dismissed managers for considerably less disappointing results. Given United's current position, continuing with Carrick is becoming increasingly difficult to defend.
United suffered a humiliating Champions League defeat against Como before losing at home to Bournemouth. Both matches highlighted Carrick's inability to make timely tactical adjustments or change his personnel when the team was struggling.
His substitutions have occasionally made a difference, particularly during the victory against Roma and the 4-4 draw against Villa. However, his overall decision-making has lacked consistency, especially when the team has needed significant tactical changes.
United's struggles to control matches have also cost them points against Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham and Leeds. Even when they have enjoyed an advantage, they have repeatedly failed to manage the game effectively.
They allowed Manchester City to secure victory despite their opponents being reduced to 10 players. Against Tottenham, United also surrendered control after taking the lead. Rather than pressing for another goal, Carrick's players became passive and allowed their opponents back into the contest.
These repeated shortcomings have left the manager with very little goodwill among supporters.
NO VISIBLE IMPROVEMENT, TRUST IN NON-PERFORMERS
One of the biggest concerns surrounding Carrick's tenure has been the absence of noticeable improvement within the squad.
During the second half of last season, he restored some of United's familiar characteristics by introducing a four-man defensive formation and building a team that looked threatening on counter-attacks.
Expectations were considerably higher this season, with Carrick expected to develop the team further and establish a more recognisable playing style. Although the club's recruitment strategy and ownership deserve criticism, the manager must also accept responsibility for the disappointing performances.
At the moment, Carrick appears to have lost the creativity and tactical inspiration that made his initial spell so impressive. The attacking unit occasionally displays its potential, but the defence continues to be a major weakness.
His approach of using inverted full-backs has repeatedly exposed the wide areas, allowing opposition wingers to exploit the available space.
Against Roma, Diogo Dalot was caught out of position, giving Soule the opportunity to cut inside and score the opening goal. Aston Villa exposed the same weakness, with Alysson repeatedly getting past Dalot and taking advantage of the space on that side.
Carrick's continued faith in Lisandro Martinez has also attracted criticism. The defender has committed several costly mistakes this season, yet the manager has continued selecting him despite little indication that his performances are improving.
Carrick has faced criticism for his delayed tactical adjustments and substitutions.
Martinez's red card became a decisive moment in United's defeat against Chelsea, a match in which they had controlled the first half.
Dalot is another player whose regular inclusion in the starting lineup has raised questions. Sections of the Old Trafford crowd booed him when he was substituted against Villa. The full-back has remained a controversial figure and made several expensive mistakes in the recent matches against Roma and Villa, directly contributing to goals.
His performances at left-back have been particularly concerning, as he has repeatedly been caught out of position and left the defensive flank vulnerable.
The statistics further underline United's defensive problems. They have reportedly conceded 30 goals across all competitions, the worst defensive record in Europe. They have also gone 11 matches without recording a clean sheet. By comparison, the club conceded 50 goals throughout their entire 38-match Premier League campaign last season.
Amad Diallo has also struggled to find the net, remaining without a goal for United for almost a year despite continuing to receive regular opportunities.
Meanwhile, promising youngster Shea Lacey is still waiting for his chance to establish himself in the first team.
Harry Amass presents another possible alternative. The natural left-back could provide additional depth in a position where United have struggled to find reliable solutions, particularly with Luke Shaw unavailable because of injury.
PERFECT CHANCE TO PULL THE TRIGGER
The November international break gives Manchester United an ideal opportunity to make a managerial change. There are no further international breaks scheduled until March, which means a new manager would have sufficient time to work with the squad and introduce his ideas.
A replacement could begin reshaping the team, establish a fresh tactical approach and address the problems that have repeatedly undermined United's performances this season.
If the club decides to dismiss Carrick, potential candidates could include Antonio Conte, Julian Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe. All three have experience managing challenging situations and attempting to revive struggling teams. Conte and Nagelsmann, in particular, have impressive records of winning trophies at club level.
Postponing the decision could make matters considerably worse. If United eventually decide to sack Carrick, they could find themselves searching desperately for a replacement in the middle of the season.
The club has already experienced the consequences of an uncertain managerial transition. Following Amorim's dismissal, United appointed Darren Fletcher on an interim basis for a couple of weeks. That period ended with the team being eliminated from the FA Cup in the third round.
Another similar episode is the last thing United need. Their league campaign is already in serious trouble, and they cannot afford another spell of uncertainty without a permanent manager.
Despite growing speculation about his future, Carrick has insisted that he intends to continue in the job and has no intention of stepping aside.
After the draw against Villa, he acknowledged that the team had not won enough matches but said he expected to continue working on improving performances, correcting mistakes and securing victories.
Manchester United have spent years discussing rebuilding projects, rediscovering their identity and returning to the heights they once enjoyed. However, none of those ambitions can be achieved if the club continues repeating the same mistakes.
Carrick deserves recognition for his achievements during his initial spell. He brought excitement back to Old Trafford, restored confidence among supporters and delivered results that few had anticipated.
However, football cannot be governed by sentiment. Previous achievements do not guarantee future success.
Manchester United are currently 18th in the Premier League, have managed only three victories across all competitions this season and continue to concede goals at an alarming rate. The warning signs are becoming impossible to ignore.
Michael Carrick may always be remembered as a Manchester United legend, but that does not automatically mean he should continue as the club's manager.
It is time for Manchester United to make a change.
