Michael Carrick called Sunday's draw at Leeds a 'fresh start', and Gary Neville described it as a 'stepping stone'. Most unattached observers came to another conclusion entirely. That is Manchester United in this moment: a confusing mix of contradictions, a club forever taking one step forward and two steps back, and only ever one result away from complete disaster.
Carrick's position remains precariously poised, given United have won only two of their 10 games in all competitions so far this season. Talk of fresh starts as early as October surely evokes more worry than it allays. The sense of calm Carrick has overseen at Old Trafford since succeeding Ruben Amorim in January is close to shattering, yet a 1-1 draw at Leeds is being presented as success. Another blown lead is treated as acceptable because United did not completely buckle after Dominic Calvert-Lewin's equaliser. In truth, United competed only in fits and starts, producing another performance made up of individual parts.
The statistics back Daniel Farke's view that his side were the only team showing any inclination to win. Leeds had 61 per cent of the ball, more touches in the opposition box, ran further and finished with 73 final-third entries to United's 59. Carrick's side, playing without a recognised striker, struggled for sustained rhythm despite taking the lead, with Diogo Dalot as their main source of chance creation rather than Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo or Amad.
Carrick's decision to change formation to mirror Leeds is, in many eyes, the ultimate clincher. It suggests United's preferred arrangement would have been too easy to play through, given they have failed to keep a league clean sheet all season. With trips to Como in the Champions League and a home meeting with Bournemouth to come, another week on trial awaits, and neither fixture appears particularly favourable.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing