Manchester United have collected just six points from their opening six Premier League matches, their worst start since 1986, as Michael Carrick prepares for a crucial Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.
Manchester United have endured their worst start to a league season in 40 years, raising fresh questions about Michael Carrick's progress at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have collected just six points from their opening six Premier League matches, winning only once and sitting 13th in the table. The last time United performed worse at this stage was in the 1986/87 campaign, when Ron Atkinson's side managed only four points from their first six games.
The latest setback came on Saturday, October 10, when United surrendered a lead against 10-man Tottenham Hotspur to draw 1-1 at Old Trafford. Bryan Mbeumo had put the hosts ahead, and Rodrigo Bentancur's dismissal in the 78th minute appeared to give Carrick's side an excellent opportunity to secure three points. Instead, Dominic Solanke equalised in stoppage time, leaving United with another disappointing result and extending their winless league run to four matches.
United's struggles bring back memories of 1986
The statistics underline the scale of United's problems. Carrick's team have taken only six points from a possible 18, recording one victory, three draws and two defeats. Their only league win came against Ipswich Town, while defeats to Hull City and Manchester City, along with draws against Everton, Fulham and Tottenham, have left the club closer to the relegation places than the Champions League positions.
It is the club's poorest opening six-match return of the Premier League era, surpassing even several difficult campaigns following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013. The historical comparison is particularly striking because the 1986/87 season eventually brought one of the most important managerial changes in Manchester United's history. Atkinson was dismissed in November 1986 and replaced by Ferguson, who went on to transform the club over the following 26 years.
Carrick's position is different, but the comparison illustrates the expectations surrounding his first full season in charge. The former United midfielder replaced Ruben Amorim in January 2026 and was tasked with bringing stability after another turbulent period. Instead, the opening weeks of the new campaign have exposed familiar weaknesses, particularly United's inability to protect leads and take advantage when opponents are reduced to ten men.
Carrick refuses to panic ahead of Atletico Madrid clash
Speaking before Tuesday's Champions League meeting with Atletico Madrid, Carrick admitted that United's performances had fallen below expectations but insisted that the squad remained determined to improve. The 45-year-old acknowledged the difficulties of rebuilding a team and argued that challenging periods were inevitable, even when the club had entered the season with considerably greater ambitions.
"We expected a lot more," Carrick admitted during his pre-match press conference. Despite the disappointing results, he emphasised the importance of maintaining confidence and responding on the pitch rather than becoming distracted by outside criticism. His immediate priority is to ensure United produce a stronger performance in Madrid, where Diego Simeone's Atletico will provide a demanding examination of the team's resilience.
There is at least some encouragement from United's European campaign. While their domestic form has been poor, they began the Champions League league phase with a convincing 4-0 victory over Azerbaijan's Sabah FK in September. Atletico, meanwhile, suffered a 2-1 defeat against Liverpool in their opening European fixture, although their recent performances in La Liga suggest they will present a considerably more difficult challenge.
Injuries add to Manchester United's problems
Carrick's preparations have been complicated by injuries to Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw, both of whom were hurt during the draw with Tottenham and have been ruled out of the trip to Madrid. Their absence limits United's options in midfield and defence at a time when the manager is already searching for greater consistency in his starting eleven.
However, there is positive news concerning Matthijs de Ligt, who has returned to contention after spending almost 11 months sidelined by a back injury. His availability could provide an important boost to a defensive unit that has struggled to deliver reliable performances. Captain Bruno Fernandes is also expected to play an important role despite managing a minor fitness issue in recent weeks.
For Carrick, the Atletico fixture offers an opportunity to interrupt the negative momentum before United return to Premier League action against Leeds United on October 18. The club's European campaign remains promising, but the contrast between their Champions League results and domestic performances is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Forty years after United last began a league season this badly, Carrick faces the challenge of preventing another disappointing start from developing into a prolonged crisis.
Published by Patrick Jane
13.10.2026