Carrick can save his job by ditching Man Utd's new Anthony Martial
6 days ago
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Published Sep 21, 2026, 6:38 AM GMT+1
Ethan is a feature and opinion journalist at Football FanCast, specialising in analytical football writing, Premier League coverage and in-depth features across the English game.
A graduate of the University of Derby's Football Journalism course, Ethan began developing his football media experience through roles including media assistant at non-league side Mickleover Sports and EFL reporter for VAVEL. After graduating in 2023, he spent six months as a Premier League journalist at GRV Media before joining Football FanCast in February 2024.
Ethan's work focuses on analysis-led features, opinion and player and club assessment, examining the tactical, statistical and wider footballing context behind the biggest stories. He covers a broad range of clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Leeds United and sides across the Midlands, with particular expertise in Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa.
As a Nottingham Forest season-ticket holder and lifelong supporter, Ethan also brings first-hand knowledge of the club and its supporters to his coverage, complementing his broader understanding of the Premier League and English football.
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After leading Manchester United to a third-place finish in the Premier League last season, it was unthinkable that Michael Carrick would be a man under pressure just five games into the new season.
The 45-year-old was handed over £100m worth of funds to improve his senior ranks, but it’s safe to say the additions are yet to have the desired effect at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have only won one of their first five league games so far this campaign, subsequently entering the first international break in 12th position.
REUTERS/Phil Noble
The manager has certainly got some of his selection calls wrong over the last couple of weeks, which has seen the club ultimately struggle massively in England’s top-flight.
Why Carrick got it all wrong against Fulham
Despite securing a late draw against Fulham yesterday, Carrick undoubtedly got numerous selection calls wrong, which cost his side dear come the final whistle.
Full-back Luke Shaw was handed a return to the starting eleven after missing the Manchester Derby last week, with Patrick Dorgu dropping down to the substitutes bench.
REUTERS/Toby Melville
The Englishman was unable to have the desired effect at either end of the pitch, subsequently failing to complete a single cross or dribble during the stalemate.
He even failed to win a single ground duel during the clash at Craven Cottage, which often saw the likes of Oscar Bobb and Kevin get the better of him throughout the contest.
He certainly wasn’t alone in failing to deliver during the 1-1 draw, with winger Bryan Mbeumo once again failing to deliver his best performance in Carrick’s starting seven.
The Cameroonian international could only place 20% of his shots on target yesterday afternoon, whilst only achieving a 40% dribble success rate in the process.
His struggles were further highlighted in his measly 44% ground duel success rate, as opposition full-back Antonee Robinson managed to nullify the threat of the big-money winger.
How Carrick can save his Man Utd job after the international break
After a run of three games without a win in the last week, it would be a surprise to no one to see Carrick under pressure at Old Trafford - with fans starting to get frustrated over recent games.
The manager himself has been questioned over his lack of emotion in the role, which has led fans to wonder whether he is the right man to lead the side forward.
Questions will undoubtedly be asked during the current international break as to whether a new manager will make any difference, or if the higher-ups need to take responsibility.
However, one thing is for sure: the 45-year-old does need to take responsibility for his continued selection of Marcus Rashford, who has massively struggled so far this campaign.
The 28-year-old spent last season on loan at Barcelona, registering 25 combined goals and assists, leading to many calling out for the winger to return to Old Trafford.
Carrick certainly answered such demands and advocated for the Englishman to remain at his boyhood club beyond the end of the summer transfer window.
He’s since started all but one game for the Red Devils in the Premier League this campaign, but has failed to register a single goal or assist despite playing against two of the newly promoted outfits. Truthfully, he's becoming something of an Anthony Martial. He's got so much promise, so much talent, yet in reality, he's rather outstayed his welcome now, just as Martial did.
His stats from his display against the Cottagers yesterday were another example of his struggles of late, with the manager desperately needing to drop him from the starting eleven.
REUTERS/Toby Melville
Rashford had the most shots of any player in United’s squad yesterday, but failed to find the back of the net and ended the game with two big chances missed. It was Martial-esque. He was threatening but ultimately lacked any sort of end product.
He could also complete just one successful dribble attempt, whilst making just two passes into the final third - highlighting his struggles against Arbeloa’s men.
The winger was caught offside and could only complete 33% of the crosses he attempted, further reaffirming his lack of quality when having the ball at his feet.
Marcus Rashford - stats against Fulham
Statistics
Tally
Minutes played
77
Touches
56
Pass accuracy
89%
Shot on target accuracy
33%
Big chances missed
2
Cross success
33%
Offsides
2
Possession lost
11x
Passes into final third
2
His wasteful nature in attacking was further evident with his tally of 11 times possession lost, with the attacker unable to deliver the goods in attacking areas.
The manager has showcased that he’s willing to stand by his attacking players, but ultimately it’s getting to a point where Rashford is in need of being dropped.
Carrick’s job is undoubtedly becoming more and more under threat, and he could massively do himself a favour by changing his system and taking Rashford out of the firing line.
6 days ago
7
Reuters/Peter Cziborra
REUTERS/Phil Noble
REUTERS/Toby Melville
REUTERS/Toby Melville
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