Much of Manchester United’s post-match post-match has focused on Lisandro Martinez’s controversial sacking, but this only tells half the story on what was a worrying night for manager Michael Carrick’s men at Old Trafford.
The hosts, without Harry Maguire and Kobie Mynoux, two players expected to play in the World Cup, looked out to sea from the start against a rampaging Leeds United side and were unable to make the most of the nearly three-week break.
Especially in the first half, we were in a state of panic. After the away team raced to take a two-goal lead, Martinez saved the day by blocking Ao Tanaka’s goal at the goal line.
Of course, there was a spirited fightback after the Argentine’s red card, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes combining once again, but the Red Devils were ultimately left empty-handed and have now won just one of their last four games under Carrick.
Carrick’s worst night as Manchester United manager
No one should overreact about Carrick’s long-term future after Monday’s loss. Because the Englishman did a great job of leading his team to third place, especially considering the poor nature of the current team.
The former United midfielder is desperately lacking in depth, but he can be held accountable for his selection decisions, including his persistence with the hapless Manuel Ugarte.
Losing Maynou to injury may have forced him to do so, but Carrick should have found another solution given United have won just one of the last 10 games in which the Uruguayan has started, losing six of those.
Similarly, even if the home side made a second-half comeback, the decision not to make any changes until 70 minutes had passed was still a sobering one, and there was no immediate reaction from Carrick’s side after the suspension.
In fact, it was a night that could have all but sealed United’s Champions League fate, with them 10 points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea. A loss to the Blues on Saturday night would reduce that gap to just four points.
Carrick has endured setbacks so far in 2026, including a crushing defeat away to 10-man Newcastle United, but this felt like his worst game since returning to the dugout.
Something needs to change.
Carrick needs to rebuild his forward line at Stamford Bridge
After the Grand National weekend, United were hopelessly behind the starting line against Daniel Farke’s side, with the centre-back duo of Martinez and Lenny Yolo unable to match the physicality of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Nousair Mazraoui, who was recalled to the starting lineup in place of Diogo Dalot, had similar responsibilities at right-back, but the defenders did not enjoy much of Ugarte’s protection.
However, while it would be wrong to say that the defensive unit was the only concern, Carrick’s changes up front, including the selection of Amado over Brian Mbeumo, also backfired in some ways.
FFC’s Manchester United player ratings | |
|---|---|
player | evaluation |
GK – Rams | 7/10 |
RB – Mazraoui | 4/10 |
CB – Yoro | 4/10 |
CB – Martinez | 3/10 |
LB – Show | 7/10 |
CM – Casemiro | 7/10 |
CM – Ugarte | 4/10 |
RM – Amado | 5/10 |
AM – Fernandez | 6/10 |
LM – Cunha | 5/10 |
ST – Sesco | 5/10 |
This tactical adjustment was not without merit given Mbeumo’s recent decline in form, but Amad’s lack of end product adds to the concerns on the right flank.
The Ivorian, who will turn 24 in July, is no longer a young wonder kid or a player with ‘potential’. After his best record in the 2024-25 season, when he had 16 goals and assists in the Premier League and 21 goals and assists in all competitions, he has taken a step backwards this season.
Now, it must be said, the former Atalanta man was as active as usual on Monday night, registering two shots in total, but he could hardly contribute in a creative sense, failing to deliver a single significant pass, failing to complete a dribble, and failing to register a single completed cross.
It was a poor return, considering the 23-year-old only managed 25 touches in 70 minutes, behind goalkeeper Senne Lamence (33) and even less than teammate Benjamin Sesco (27), who played the sole striker role.
While the Amad-Mbeumo pair once looked like United’s biggest threat under manager Ruben Amorim, it now appears to be a limbo situation, with the young man at risk of being left out of the starting XI again this weekend.
He is a dynamic and direct player, but with just two goals and two assists in his return to the Premier League this season, he is far from a match for the Old Trafford forward.
Fernandes and Casemiro won’t necessarily get Carrick’s team out of trouble…
As bad as Ugarte: Manchester United star must not start again for the club after the Leeds game
Man United lost to Leeds at Old Trafford for the first time in 45 years.
