Is Michael Carrick's grip on the Manchester United job loosening?

Saving their season 

It's easy to see why Carrick has yet to face many complaints in taking over from Ruben Amorim at the start of the year.

Even taking away the morale-boosting fast start he made in beating both Manchester City and Arsenal in the first two games, what he's done is turn down the volume and made the sensible decisions to suit the team.

In picking a system that works, bringing in players left in the cold, and getting the team back to challenging at the top end of the table, the 44-year-old quickly put himself firmly in the frame to be given the role beyond this season. 

With many of his possible contenders either committed to their current jobs or currently unavailable after this summer's World Cup, the best possible option, given what has happened and his reputation at the club, seemed and still seems to be Carrick. 

However, there have been some small wrinkles within his smooth transition into the hot seat. 

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Cracks in Carrick's plan 

Losing to Leeds is never a nice feeling for United fans, and it felt all the more deflating given it was their rivals' first victory at Old Trafford since 1981. 

But the bigger picture is that it came after an extended break on the training ground for Carrick and his players, and means his team have now not won in four games and failed to keep a clean sheet in five. 

What could have been a 10-point cushion to sixth place if they had won on Monday night could now be cut down to four if they were to suffer another defeat to Chelsea this weekend, who are also in the Champions League mix. 

For the first time during his reign, frustrations were aimed in his direction and even a smattering of boos at the half-time whistle, with fans dissatisfied at their team's first-half showing. 

Things are now set to test the interim boss further, with a defensive crisis ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge, too. 

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Testing time 

Having fallen into a sticky patch in form, Carrick will now have to cope with a depleted backline for the trip to West London. 

Matthijs de Ligt is already out, while Harry Maguire is set to face further punishment by the FA for his comments towards an official after his sending off at Bournemouth, meaning he could be unavailable, too.

So, the red card for Lissandro Martinez against Leeds couldn't have come at a worse time. Although Carrick was unhappy with the decision, and the club may appeal, it could leave just Leny Yoro and teenager Ayden Heaven as his options against Chelsea.

It's not the only issue either. Kobbie Mainoo's absence once again showed up United's issues in midfield, as without him, the link between defence and attack is missing and is something Manuel Ugarte cannot fill. 

Then there's the over-reliance on Bruno Fernandes. Once again, it was his assist - his 17th of the campaign - that got the Red Devils back in it, but the responsibility needs to be shared consistently. 

Not all of this is Carrick's doing, but his decisions over the next five games will now define what happens to him and the team next season. 

Qualify for the Champions League and there's time to sit and plan for next year and if the former England international is allowed to carry on. 

Finish in sixth or even struggle to the end, then the same questions that were aimed at him upon his appointment could be the very reasons he's not in the dugout when we start again in August. 

 

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