Manchester United‘s disastrous start to the new season has led to pressure on Michael Carrick in the manager’s role, but it probably isn’t all his fault.
You only need to look at how well he did after taking charge last season to realise Carrick is capable of delivering results for United. But for whatever reason, they aren’t coming now.
Carrick is at risk of the sack, but many United fans are still on his side. Instead, the finger of blame has been directed towards technical director Jason Wilcox and other boardroom figures – not to mention the players.
Indeed, it’s those on the pitch who are letting United down right now. Some look like they’re throwing in the towel.
Let’s take a closer look at their WhoScored ratings (Premier League games only) to see who has declined the most this season compared to last season – according to the stats, at least.
“I expect more, 100%. I expect more from our technical director.” Maybe United should expect more from you, Lisandro.
His outburst after the Atletico Madrid loss reverberated strongly, but Martinez hasn’t been at his best either.
He was the guilty party in United’s loss to Chelsea, giving away a penalty and getting sent off. And it wasn’t his first error this season either.
In fairness, Sesko has had a delayed start to the season and is yet to start a league game, coming off the bench four times.
He won’t get to boost his ratings for a while either, as he’s expected to be injured until January.
The Slovenian striker does have one goal to his name from his four cameos so far, but questions persist over whether he’s the right striker for United in the long term.
Maybe the only way was down for United’s captain after how well he did last season.
Fernandes was the Premier League’s best player last term after breaking the record for most assists in a season.
He still ranks as United’s best player this season and the only one with an average rating above seven.
But he only has two assists to show for it so far (along with four goals) and his work is cut out to get near the benchmark he set last season.
Amad is yet to score or assist a goal in the league this season, despite starting five times.
He started the season injured and will be hoping to pick up some form in the coming weeks.
Heaven had something of a breakthrough into the United first team last season and is still on the fringes.
The young defender definitely has potential, but this might not be the right environment for him to fulfil it.
His rating of 6.23 from two starts and three sub appearances is the second lowest of anyone to start a game in the United squad at the moment, but hardly anyone would pick him out as the main culprit.
Dorgu has always felt like a square peg in a round hole for United. Is he a left-back? Is he a winger? Who knows.
He’s only played six times in the league so far this season, and with only two of those appearances being as a starter, he hasn’t had much of a chance to build up some form.
This winter will mark two years of Dorgu at United and the jury remains out over whether he’ll make it in the long term.
United had a big decision to make last summer in goal. To his credit, Lammens had a solid debut season as their first-choice keeper.
It was never a given he’d become number one once he arrived, but he put those doubts to one side. But was that just temporary?
United are yet to keep a clean sheet in the league this season, which is concerning.
Cunha had a reasonable debut season at Old Trafford, sometimes a striker, sometimes a winger, sometimes playing in behind.
He’s only scored once from 10 games in the new season, although he has got a couple of assists.
Mazraoui has only been given two starts in the league this season, coming off the bench in three other games.
There was a gap of eight league games between his two starts, which suggests he’s falling out of favour.
United’s other option at right-back has been on the decline too – in some aspects, at least.
Dalot has played some part in every game so far, but is averaging more fouls and fewer clearances than last season.
GunnArs
0
funny… the players earning most criticism are fernandes and maguire and they are still man utd’s most consistent performers.
wiyadikotu
0
Atleast the big mouthed united pundits have something to worry about instead of being onto Manchester city every day, from morning to dusk..
Mikhi1
0
I will not stop telling the fans that,the problem of united is not Carrick but the players,70% are average or below to the standard of united. They need to give Carrick quality players so he can succeed. Just imagine defender given out penalties and costly errors
because you don't get it, who owns the players.
sehiptyz
0
Why though does Carrick still stick with Dalot??
Zasaeikmoy
0
The whole Man U team is useless. Maguire and Bruno are the worst
Ziwcdkmoy
0
The goalkeeper and Fernandez were the linking point and weakening the team drastically. Man u needs to sign Osihmen and a good number 10.
elvnn
0
Manchester united needs goalkeeper and defenders
Lammen is doing great
natiksuyz
2
Bruno is finished! His arrogance has cost man u a lot. A team with good captain and no 10 can never be in relegation zone...... Poor Bruno only ego!!!!
zecdlmop
0
Manchester united needs goalkeeper and defenders
if you don't have good defenders the goalie is just like empty pole
zecdlmop
1
I will not stop telling the fans that,the problem of united is not Carrick but the players,70% are average or below to the standard of united. They need to give Carrick quality players so he can succeed. Just imagine defender given out penalties and costly errors
IshmaelChimombo
1
Manchester united needs goalkeeper and defenders