On the pitch, it was two efforts against the post and what has since been confirmed to be a refereeing failure between Manchester United and victory against the ten men of Manchester City.
That’s not how history will remember it, however. History will note that it’s now four points from a possible 12 for Michael Carrick.
The former midfielder was hoping to pick up where he left off at the end of his interim spell, as he attempted to avoid becoming the next Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
After squaring off against Hull City, Ipswich Town, Everton and Man City though, it’s all beginning to look far too familiar for those at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick’s Man Utd record in the Premier League | 25/26 | 26/27 |
|---|---|---|
Games | 17 | 4 |
Wins | 12 | 1 |
Draws | 3 | 1 |
Defeats | 2 | 2 |
Goals scored | 33 | 7 |
Goals conceded | 18 | 7 |
The numbers make for damning reading. In just four games in the Premier League this season, Carrick has equalled the number of defeats that he suffered as Man United boss in 17 games in the last campaign. Meanwhile, the Red Devils are also on track to concede far more goals.
There is still time for things to change, of course, but not even the most optimistic fan will be able to avoid the Solskjaer flashbacks. Once again, United took a risk on an interim boss and, for the second time, things may not work out as planned.
But the bad news may not end there for Carrick. Fabrizio Romano has just shared a worrying update about Man United’s efforts to renew Bruno Fernandes’ contract.
Fabrizio Romano shares latest Bruno Fernandes contract update
It first emerged that INEOS were in talks to renew their captain’s contract during the summer when the billions from Saudi Arabia came knocking.
Much to the relief of those at Old Trafford, Fernandes seemed to be going nowhere. Ever since then, a new deal has looked like the natural next step.
According to Romano, however, things are not proving to be that simple.
The transfer guru revealed on his YouTube channel after the defeat to City that United are facing several problems in contract talks with Fernandes, and although they are still confident they remain in control of the situation, the possible inclusion and stipulations of a release clause are the key issue complicating matters.
“There are several points, including the release clause. Bruno has a release clause in his current contract at United. They have to decide whether to include the clause or not, how much it should be and when it would be valid.
“So there are several points to clarify. That’s why there is still no agreement.”
The last thing that Carrick needs is for this to drag on. Fernandes is his captain and his star man even at 32 years old. While Man United are internally considering the risk of handing an ageing star a hefty new deal, a hat-trick against Ipswich earlier this season should have put any of those concerns to bed.
The Red Devils have the option to trigger a one-year extension on Fernandes’ current deal, but they should avoid that option and simply hand him the deal that he has earned.
Source: www.footballfancast.com
