MICHAEL CARRICK WENT FROM MAN UTD’S SAVIOUR TO UNDER FIRE — THE FEEL-GOOD APPOINTMENT IS NOW FACING A VERY DIFFERENT TEST

Michael Carrick rode a wave of positivity last season to take Manchester United back into the Champions League. Now, just months later, the mood around Old Trafford has changed dramatically.

United head into this weekend sitting 13th in the Premier League, having already crashed out of the Carabao Cup. Carrick’s team also suffered a damaging defeat to Brighton, with supporters booing the manager and his players off the pitch.

For a club whose supporters pride themselves on backing their managers, the reaction felt significant.

Carrick arrived as a breath of fresh air after Ruben Amorim’s difficult spell in charge. His interim tenure brought an immediate lift, with United’s performances improving enough to propel them into the Champions League places.

That surge created a powerful narrative: Carrick was a club legend who deserved the permanent job.

But the permanent appointment has not yet changed the perception that he remains an interim figure.

THE SUMMER WAS SUPPOSED TO CHANGE EVERYTHING

United’s transfer window has done little to ease those concerns.

Youri Tielemans was viewed as a good addition, while Carlos Baleba was considered a signing for the future. But Andrey Santos arriving for £48million has raised eyebrows, particularly given his lack of regular football at Chelsea.

United also strengthened their attack in the summer of 2025, yet the three major attacking additions have still not consistently started together.

Benjamin Sesko remains largely a substitute, while Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have featured more regularly without completely convincing that they can operate seamlessly together.

Behind them, the defence lacks firm foundations and the midfield remains a work in progress. Meanwhile, academy prospect JJ Gabriel reportedly wants to leave.

NOW CARRICK FACES THE REAL TEST

There have been opportunities for United to point elsewhere.

The controversial defeat to Manchester City brought VAR into the conversation. But surrendering a two-goal lead at home to Brighton for the first time in 50 years left far fewer excuses.

This was always going to be the season when Carrick faced a different level of scrutiny.

Champions League football brought extra fixtures, higher expectations and greater pressure to deliver silverware. Carrick has insisted he can handle that pressure, although his reaction after the defeat at Hull City showed just how difficult the scrutiny can become.

After United subsequently beat Ipswich, Carrick argued that the criticism had gone too far.

But defeats at Manchester United inevitably bring intense scrutiny — particularly when the team is sitting 13th and already out of one cup competition.

FULHAM COULD TURN UP THE HEAT

United travel to Fulham on Sunday knowing another defeat would pile further pressure on Carrick before a lengthy international break.

A loss would leave 20 days until their next match, creating an unusually long period for questions about the manager and the direction of the club to dominate the conversation.

Carrick was once the popular figure who lifted United out of the gloom and made the decision to appoint a club legend feel like the obvious next step.

Now, the same romantic appointment is being tested by results, expectations and an Old Trafford crowd that has already made its frustration clear.

The feel-good story that carried United back into the Champions League has entered a very different chapter.