Published Sep 30, 2026, 7:10 AM GMT+1

The 45-year-old was handed over £150m worth of reinforcements during the summer window to bolster the Red Devils' ranks, but the early performances in 2026/27 have raised concerns.

His side have only claimed one league victory out of the first five encounters - even losing 1-0 to rivals Manchester City despite having a man advantage for well over an hour.

However, his continued selection of one senior member has seen the manager take huge criticism in recent weeks, with other options needing to be considered in the weeks ahead.

Why Marcus Rashford needs to be dropped by Carrick

After his return from his loan spell at Barcelona, many United fans were excited about the possibility of winger Marcus Rashford rejoining the first team at Old Trafford.

Who can blame the supporters for having faith in the 28-year-old, after he registered 25 combined goals and assists across all competitions whilst on loan in Spain?

However, his first five appearances back in Manchester have certainly been a struggle, with the attacker failing to register a single goal or assist in the Premier League.

He’s struggled to have the desired effect within Carrick’s system at Old Trafford, but the 45-year-old continues to refuse to axe him from the starting eleven.

Rashford’s latest display against Fulham was another which failed to capture the imagination, as seen by his underlying stats from the 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage.

The Englishman could only complete 50% of the dribbles he attempted against Alvaro Arbeloa’s men, whilst only completing two passes into the final third.

He could only pick out a teammate with 33% of the crosses he attempted that day, which further showcases the lack of positive impact he’s had in attacking areas this campaign.

Why Rashford isn't Man Utd's biggest problem

The run of just one win in the first five games is evidence to boss Carrick that his current system in place at Old Trafford is failing to have the same effect as last campaign.

He only lost two of his first 19 games in charge of the Red Devils last term, but he’s already seen his senior side match such a record in 14 fewer matches in 2026/27.

The 45-year-old is in desperate need of change in the first team ahead of the return to the Premier League, otherwise, the pressure on his shoulders could start to mount.

If he is to have any chance of turning the recent league slump around, it’s imperative that the manager drops full-back Diogo Dalot from his senior plans after the international break.

The Portuguese international has started all but one game in England’s top-flight this term and, like Rashford, he’s been unable to take advantage of the chance handed his way.

Such displays have seen huge criticism directed his way by supporters, which has put his long-term future at Old Trafford into serious jeopardy over recent weeks.

His stats back up why the fans are calling for him to be dropped from Carrick’s senior ranks, with the manager needing to be ruthless and allow him to move on to pastures new.

Dalot has only managed to complete an average of 22% of the crosses he’s attempted so far this campaign, whilst also completing less than a dribble per 90.

Both of the aforementioned figures showcase his inability to provide the goods within attacking areas - something which is required from overlapping full-backs in the manager’s current system.

The 27-year-old has been just as ineffective within the defensive third throughout this campaign, as he’s registered a measly tally of just 4.1 defensive contributions per 90.

Such a figure is lower than 88% of other full-backs in the division, subsequently showcasing his struggles against many of the opposition’s wide forwards.

His inability to stop them getting past him this campaign has often led to him bringing the opposition down, as seen by his tally of 1.6 fouls per 90 - the highest in the squad.

Despite the continued faith shown in him by Carrick over recent months, every United supporter can see that Dalot is no longer a player who can provide the desired impact in the Premier League.

As a result, Carrick needs to be brutal and allow him to depart Old Trafford in the months ahead and invest in a right-back who can help the Englishman fend off any pressure that will come his way.