Carrick's last chance: what needs to change at United before the Chelsea game

Michael Carrick continues to lead Manchester United, who have not won in eight matches. The play is as much a subject of debate as the results. The energy and order we saw in the team while he was interim manager last season have disappeared. United, who travel to Chelsea on Saturday, need to find quick and concrete solutions.

The team's biggest problem is that it gives its opponents too much comfort. The intention to press the opponent more aggressively is understandable, but the execution falls short. The gaps between the defensive lines and midfield are being used by opponents to advance both through the middle and down the flanks. United use a high block in 36% of their opponents' build-up phases. At this rate, they sit third in the Premier League, behind Tottenham and Liverpool.

Pressing high is one thing, and making it work is another. United have won the ball in the opponent's half 52 times this season, but only 10 of those turned into shots. No goals have come from these positions yet. The defeats to Atletico Madrid and Como have clearly exposed these weaknesses. Bruno Fernandes criticised the lack of man-marking in the Como game. According to analysts, the solution is not to press higher and harder, but first to build a structure that can be applied consistently.

There were encouraging signs in the Leeds game. The team looked more disciplined and compact. The match ended 1-1, but this performance could not be turned into a win. The key question for Carrick is whether he can sustain this shape against strong opponents like Chelsea and build consistency.