Manchester United: Horror run could decide Michael Carrick's fate as 'alternatives' emerge

It was the first time Man United had led at Old Trafford by two goals and lost since they were beaten 3-2 by Tottenham in 1976, when Sir Alex Ferguson was manager of St Mirren!Given how United performed towards the back end of the 2025-26 campaign, more was expected at the beginning of this, and from Carrick too.That said, even after United’s third loss in six games, those tenuous links about being replaced and the pressure that comes with the job, Carrick is remaining upbeat.Defiant: Michael CarrickPA“No pressure anyway. Either way, that doesn’t bother me one bit. I understand what goes on outside and how the world works, but it genuinely doesn’t bother me,” he said after the Brighton loss. “What bothers me is winning games, having a good feeling around the place and knowing we’re moving in a good direction.“If we’re on a good run, the biggest thing I’m thinking about is keeping it going and keeping everything on an even level. If we’re not on a good run, then we’ve got to get back to being on a good run. That’s as simple as it gets.“We’ve got to win football matches, and I fully believe we will. Obviously, we’ve got to do it pretty quickly, and Sunday is a starting point.”Read MoreLooking at United’s fixtures after the international break, it’s imperative Carrick gets a positive reaction from his squad, otherwise he may start to feel the pressure...Manchester United’s next nine games13/10 - Atletico Madrid (a)Manchester United have suffered back-to-back losses at Old TraffordAFP/GettyOn paper, the three away games in eight days immediately following the international break look tough and United’s squad will be tested physically and mentally.A trip to Atletico Madrid is certainly a welcome back to the Champions League fixture, while Leeds at Elland Road is always tough and Daniel Farke’s side have started the season well.Como represent an unknown quantity, though have too began the season on fire and recorded a statement win over RB Leipzig on their Champions League debut.