Loss to Manchester City highlights Manchester United’s stagnant attack under Michael Carrick.

As the chaos surrounding the Premier League’s recent VAR controversy begins to calm, a more nuanced understanding of Manchester United may surface. While it’s clear that officials Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus played a role in United’s 1-0 home loss against Manchester City, they weren’t the sole contributors, nor the most influential.

The core issues that arose when United had a player advantage for over an hour were not unfamiliar. These challenges seem to stem from the style of play that manager Michael Carrick prefers.

What stands out is that after Phil Foden’s red card in the 23rd minute, United appeared slow and lacking in creativity in their offensive play. They had a total of 105 touches in the final third, compared to City’s 37, yet managed just seven shots with a mere 0.25 expected goals (xG). Even after a controversial winning goal by Erling Haaland, United struggled to devise effective attacks when faced with a dense defensive setup, with their only clear chance resulting in a 95th-minute save from Gianluigi Donnarumma.

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James Benge

Experiencing this defeat at Old Trafford was different from Manchester United’s earlier league matches, where they recorded a mix of results leading to their worst start to the season since 1992. It’s a recurring narrative that seems to surface each year around September or October.

<p>This time, United entered an unexpected tactical scenario with a man advantage. Carrick's lineup, featuring Youri Tielemans alongside Kobbie Mainoo, was intended to exploit City's vulnerable defense during transitions, a strategy disrupted by their newfound numerical superiority.</p>
<p>According to Enzo Maresca, the game became much more straightforward to manage once they adjusted defensively. "They thrive on transition and exploiting space behind, but the game changed when we dropped deeper, eliminating those options," he stated.</p>
<p>This season has already shown that United possesses players capable of striking hard on counterattacks, as evidenced by Bruno Fernandes’ punishment of Ipswich Town's mistakes. Their issues, however, lie within their possession play, which appears to mimic an aspect of Carrick's own playing style. Critics have pointed out that Carrick was sometimes too lateral as a midfielder, exerting control but lacking the incisiveness of elite players.</p>
<p>So far, his team has resembled that critique more than ever. During the previous season, under Ruben Amorim's management, United averaged 460 passes per game, while Carrick’s squad has upped that number to 483. Yet, they’re now making fewer forward passes and contributing to fewer progressive plays. The average duration of possession sequences has also extended, suggesting a slower buildup compared to what Amorim initiated before his fallout with the club.</p>
<p>There has been an evident increase in involvement in United’s play under Carrick, who now has a full preseason behind him. Last season, Premier League possession typically lasted 24.4 seconds and involved 5.8 passes, while the current averages are up to 30.5 seconds and 7.6 passes. While this could reflect their style and match dynamics, it aligns with how Carrick approached his time at Middlesbrough.</p>
<p>Though this approach may feel unconventional, it’s important to note that a possession-oriented strategy can still yield results in the Premier League. However, early signs suggest challenges for United with this philosophy; excluding the exceptional performance against Ipswich, they have struggled to surpass a typical xG, settling for overall shot quality that has dropped from the league average last season.</p>
<p>Last season, United maintained an average shot quality equal to league standards, aided significantly by Bruno Fernandes, who was at his peak for creative output. His presence allowed for a measured buildup with explosive returns once he received the ball. This season, however, Fernandes' influence appears to have waned, now sitting alongside players like Rayan Cherki and Martin Ødegaard in output.</p>
<p>This shift explains why United's attack seems overly hesitant and subdued lately. It’s essential to frame Carrick's cautious method as necessary, especially following the tumultuous end of Amorim’s tenure. Carrick aimed to stabilize the team rather than ignite chaos, as he harmonized emotions within the squad and avoided knee-jerk reactions to adversities like VAR controversies.</p>
<p>In line with Carrick's composed nature as a player, he advocates for a measured approach. His vision for the team, despite a rocky start that, while beneficially highlighted by the thrashing of Ipswich, still indicates potential for the squad to rank as one of the top teams in the country. This position would keep them within reach of Champions League qualification while they venture into a new era post-Fernandes.</p>
<p>Though the style may not always be attractive and can lead to squandered opportunities, Carrick might still be steering the club toward the right course, albeit at a slower and more cautious pace.</p>

<h2>Guide to Watching Manchester United vs. Brighton</h2>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> Tuesday, Sept. 16 | <strong>Time:</strong> 3 p.m. ET<br/><strong>Location:</strong> Old Trafford – Manchester, United Kingdom<br/><strong>Live Stream:</strong> Paramount+<br/><strong>Odds:</strong> Manchester United -133; Draw +280; Brighton +275</p>