Manchester United have made their worst start to a league season since 1986, and the pressure on manager Michael Carrick is growing. Sunday's 1-1 draw at Leeds left United with one win from seven Premier League games. They are 13th, closer to the relegation zone than the top four, and winless in six games in all competitions, according to ESPN.
What happened at Elland Road?
| Result | Leeds United 1, Manchester United 1 |
| United goal | Bryan Mbeumo, 35' (assist: Youri Tielemans) |
| Leeds goal | Dominic Calvert-Lewin, 51' (from a corner) |
| Venue | Elland Road, Leeds |
Mbeumo got away from James Justin to turn in Tielemans' low cross for his fourth goal of the season. Calvert-Lewin equalized six minutes after half-time, according to the PA Media match report.
Carrick tried to sound positive. He told reporters the result felt like a "fresh start." Lisandro Martínez kept his place after apologizing for a midweek outburst at the club's hierarchy, PA reported.
How bad is the start?
| Stat | Manchester United |
|---|---|
| Premier League record | W1, D4, L2 |
| Points | 7 from 7 games |
| Position | 13th |
| Last league win | August 30 |
| Carabao Cup | Out in first match |
| Run in all competitions | 6 without a win |
At the top, Manchester City are 7-0 and Arsenal are 6-1 after Noni Madueke's late winner at Nottingham Forest. United are 14 points behind City already.
Who could replace Carrick?
ESPN looked at the managers United could consider if things don't improve. Its list:
| Candidate | Situation | ESPN's take |
|---|---|---|
| Eddie Howe | Unattached, left Newcastle in August | Sensible and available |
| Antonio Conte | Unattached, left Napoli in the summer | Proven winner, but "too abrasive" |
| Kieran McKenna | Unattached, left Ipswich | A familiar face from United's coaching staff |
| Julian Nagelsmann | Unattached | Profiled as a candidate |
| Fabian Hürzeler | Brighton manager | Brighton are third in the table |
| Thomas Tuchel | England manager | "As close to unattainable as possible" |
Tuchel's England contract runs through Euro 2028. ESPN also reports that he and United were close to a deal at the end of the 2023-24 season before talks broke down.
This list is ESPN's analysis, not a report that United have contacted anyone.
Why is United's history working against Carrick?
United have fired a manager in each of the past two seasons: Erik ten Hag in October 2024 and Ruben Amorim in January 2026. Carrick took over from Amorim as interim manager, led the team into the Champions League and got the job.
ESPN puts it this way: the board wants stability, but the club also needs a figure big enough to lead a team that has lost its way.
When does Manchester United play next?
Wednesday, October 21: Como (away), UEFA Champions League. It's a trip to a Serie A club, with the pressure rising.
