'Huge' - Man United update on Michael Carrick revealed
Manchester United had hoped for a stronger start to the Premier League season under Michael Carrick, sources have told Football Insider.
The Red Devils have won one, drawn one and lost one of their opening three games, with mixed results and performances leading to some early frustrations.
Having led United to a third-place finish last season, expectations on Carrick have been high heading into this term, as the club are keen to continue making progress.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Carrick is facing pressure to deliver results after landing the full-time role at Man United.
This comes after the boss batted away suggestions that it has been a poor start in the Premier League, insiting results have not been bad, with progress being made.
While there is no immediate pressure on Carrick's position and the club remain keen to back him, there is a belief that their domestic performances must improve.
Could Michael Carrick come under pressure at Man United?
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 8 September taht Carrick still has the full backing of the board despite some early frustrations.
Instead, Man United are planning to stick by Carrick to pick up on last season's form after backing him to rennovate his side in the summer transfer window.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Yeah, when you manage a club like Manchester United, the expectations are huge and that's no different for Michael Carrick.
"The expectation is that they should have more points on the board already. Obviously, they let two points slip through their fingers last week against Everton.
"There’s always pressure when you're either playing or managing Manchester United and I'm sure Carrick will be frustrated himself not to get more points on the board already.
"But it's a long season ahead and I'm sure we'll see an improvement and an upturn in United's fortunes sooner rather than later."
What is to blame for Man United's slow start?
Despite some early questions about Carrick and his side's start to the season, there are a number of behind-the-scenes issues which could be contributing factors.
Man United underwent a midfield overhaul during the transfer window, with Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba brought in to refresh Carrick's options.
Those signings will need space to bed in, but are only the start of major changes, as Football Insider revealed Man United are also planning changes at the back.
Carrick's side were eying a number of potential left-back targets during the summer, but are now prepared to wait until next year to bolster the position.
That has left the boss with an inconsistent back line and concerns about some of his players, but he will be supported as part of major changes on and off the pitch.