Manchester United

Image source, Getty Images

We asked you to rate Manchester United's start to the season and tell us what Michael Carrick should be focusing on during this extended international break.

Here are some of your comments:

Ricky: Slow, but not disastrous start. No need to hit the panic button! The first-team players that were late back after World Cup and the three new players in the midfield all need time to gel. I still believe a top-four finish is likely and they should give Carrick the full season.

Duncan: Not a great start, but some of the underlying stats are very positive. Let's not abandon ship just because the wind is blowing.

Godfrey: We should all calm down. Yes, the start of the season has been disappointing - there's no denying that. However, as Carrick keeps pointing out, there are a lot of results decided by fine margins. We finished last season with the most points from the games left from when Carrick took over. He deserves a full season to embed his ideas and get the new players settled in. Kobbie Mainoo has been immense so far and Marcus Rashford has looked good. He just needs a couple of goals and assists to settle him.

Hugh: United's start to this season has been really dismal, very poor. However, it is not a complete surprise. United failed to sign any of the top available players in the summer transfer market, and once again bought a player who was crocked. United are a badly run club now - just a commercial enterprise for very greedy and incompetent owners.

Bob: Having watched all the pre-season games, our comical defending has come as no surprise. However, the pedestrian football is back to the bad old days - possibly the Rashford effect. Carrick has three weeks to get to the bottom of it. Defeat by Tottenham really will mean we're in a crisis again.

Daniel Austin
BBC Sport senior journalist

Image source, Getty Images

A 15-year-old growing up in the UK faces many tough personal decisions about their future - which school subjects to study, which social circle suits them, and where their priorities lie in life.

But in the past few weeks, the choices teenage Manchester United striker JJ Gabriel has been making about his future in football have drawn huge public attention in sports media.

Gabriel has informed the club that he wants to leave. BBC Sport has reported that he has stayed away from training and begun talking to other clubs because he and his representatives are unhappy with his progression.

The fact that a transfer saga involving a footballer so young could generate so much interest highlights a truth that to many is uncomfortable - money is changing how the football transfer market works, and children are increasingly deemed to be among its most valuable commodities.

So what is behind the rise in transfers involving boys who, in some cases, are not even old enough to have taken their GCSEs? And what kind of influence can the money on offer have on agents and parents?

Players can de-register from their academy at the end of their under-12, under-14 and under-16 seasons if they wish to explore options elsewhere.

They can be offered paid scholarship contracts from the season in which they turn 14, and they can sign professional deals from the season in which they turn 16.

Gabriel can also potentially join European clubs because he has an Irish passport.

"It is a really tough world," says Phil Jagielka, whose son Zac left Liverpool in 2024 and signed a scholarship deal at Hull City at 16. "Families want the best for their kids and you can't give them stick without knowing what their motivations are.

"The harsh reality is that if a young player fails to progress, or gets a bad injury, teams will stop being interested in them so there is an element of strike while the iron's hot."

The increasing allure of signing young academy players from rival clubs means some parents are now compiling data packs on their sons to give to potential clubs, and more and more children are being represented by football agents.

"There are good agents and bad agents," says Ryan Cardwell, a former youth scout at Liverpool and Southampton. "You certainly speak to some of them and think: 'That's completely the wrong idea' or 'This player is going to be misguided'.

"Sometimes they push for a move when a player isn't ready. The contracts can be enormous and can be a huge motivation to move. For that reason, I would quite like to see some form of financial cap."

Read the full article here

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey has been replaced by Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee in the Netherlands' squad for the remainder of the international break.

Brobbey, who has been named in Regis le Bris' starting XI for every Premier League fixture so far this season, was forced off with an apparent muscle injury in the first half of the Netherlands' 1-1 draw with Germany on Thursday.

The 24-year-old will return to Sunderland for treatment.

Brobbey went into the three-week break off the back of a hat-trick in Sunderland's 5-3 defeat by Manchester City.

As we enter the season's first international break, we want to hear your thoughts on the opening five games of the Premier League.

Manchester United have endured a difficult start to life under Michael Carrick's permanent leadership, winning just one of their opening five league games - against promoted Ipswich.

The Red Devils have lost against fellow promoted side Hull City, against 10-man Manchester City in the derby, and exited the Carabao Cup despite leading 2-0 at half-time at home against Brighton.

How do you rate United's start to the season and why? And what should Carrick be focusing on during the extended break?

Get in touch with your views here

Image source, Getty Images

Kobbie Mainoo has been the standout performer for Manchester United so far this season, says former Red Devils striker Fraizer Campbell.

He told BBC Radio Manchester: "He's the only one who I think could say, 'look, I'm doing my bit here and I need you lot to help me out a little bit'."

Meanwhile, Campbell also believes that Marcus Rashford deserves more patience - the 28-year-old has made six appearances so far this campaign but has recorded no goals or assists yet.

"I'm hearing a lot of people talk about Rashford but he's one of the few that every time he gets ball, I'm thinking, 'go on, go and do something'. Sometimes he does and sometimes he doesn't, but I'm all right with that," Campbell said.

"Rashford should have scored a few chances, but he's not the only one. His name gets thrown around very quickly, which is bizarre really because, like Kobbie, he's a Manchester lad, he's come through the ranks and he's everything Manchester United should be about.

"Those two should get a little bit more cotton wool wrapped around them. I'm not trying to stick up for him or feel sorry for him. Kobbie has been brilliant this season and I think Rashford can do better, but I don't think he's been as bad as everyone's making out."

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Manchester United's interest in Palmeiras' 16-year-old Brazilian hot prospect Eduardo Conceicao has been the subject of several questions sent in via our club Ask Me Anything form, especially around whether it has completely cooled.

I would not say that. I would be more inclined to say the situation is being monitored.

First, Palmeiras have to decide what their preferred route for Conceicao is and so do the people in charge of navigating his career.

It had been expected Gilberto Mora, who is 17, would leave Mexico for Europe after the World Cup, but he signed a contract extension with Club Tijuana.

Will Conceicao stay for a little bit longer? Obviously, the actual transfer window is closed now so he could not be in contention for a first-team place anywhere.

There are also many more clubs than Manchester United looking at him.

Who makes the most compelling pitch? What does the pathway look like? Where would he like to play? It would be naive to think money will play no part.

Conceicao is clearly a talented player. Signing players like that, at such a young age, from Brazil, is not straightforward.

Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.

We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.

Find out more here

Left-back Luke Shaw could leave Manchester United when his present deal expires with the club next summer. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

The Premier League's Key Match Incidents panel has supported Phil Foden's red card in the Manchester derby - but on a split 3:2 vote.

The Manchester City midfielder was shown a red card by referee Michael Oliver in the 23rd minute for kicking out at Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

Two panellists "felt that the action lacked the force to reach the threshold for a red card, and would have preferred a yellow".

The KMI panel unanimously supported no video assistant referee (VAR) intervention.

Fernandes - who initially appeared to kick Foden, leading to retaliation - escaped with no disciplinary action.

The decision not to show the Portugal midfielder a red card was backed by a 5:0 vote, both on-field and through VAR.

All KMI panel members "felt that a yellow card would have been the appropriate punishment".

City won the game 1-0 through a controversial Erling Haaland goal in the 60th minute, which was awarded after a VAR intervention.

Haaland was given offside by the assistant referee's flag, with VAR Matt Donohue finding that the Norway forward was actually onside.

However, referees' chief Howard Webb admitted that the VAR did not even consider whether Enzo Fernandez was offside when he attempted to head the ball just before Haaland scored.

The KMI panel unanimously felt that the VAR intervention to award the goal was incorrect.

"Fernandez is in an offside position, attempts to play the ball that is close to him, and impacts the ability of the defender and the goalkeeper to play the ball in the process," the panel noted.

"A VAR review should have been recommended for a missed subjective offside in the attacking possession phase."

Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha, does not feel any sympathy for Manchester United's Michael Carrick and Xabi Alonso of Chelsea.

Both sides have suffered some poor results early in the new season and there is pressure building over Carrick in particular to get results.

However Onuoha believes any outside noise should not concern the two managers.

"With Ruben Amorim, I remember people saying they didn't want him to go because they just wanted a level of stability but by the end, Amorim was sabotaging himself - he was so, so poor," Onuoha told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

"But here's Michael Carrick now, who has got the same issues but he is managing the fan base, the board and the media a lot better. I can't speak on behalf of Manchester United fans, but it doesn't feel as hostile against him from the fan base.

"Maybe it's not hostile against Xabi Alonso because I think the fans wanted an adult in the room and they feel like they've got one - but they've still got the ownership they don't necessarily love.

"But I don't feel sympathy overall because managers stepping into these jobs, they understand for the most part what's going to happen because it's happened before.

"It's such a results-driven business that the reason they even have a job is because the other person probably got moved on. But the only way for those sides to have time with that coach is to get positive results."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds here

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Young striker Amir Ibragimov is benefitting from his first taste of senior international football last summer, according to Manchester United's Under-21 coach Adam Lawrence.

The 18-year-old became the third-youngest player to win a full cap for Russia when he made his debut against Burkina Faso in June.

Although he has been left out of the expanded 38-man squad for the forthcoming matches against Iran, Namibia and Nigeria, Ibragimov has caught the eye at youth level for United.

He scored in Premier League 2 and Uefa Youth League victories as he fitted into a false nine role.

"He learned a lot from going on international duty over the summer," said Lawrence.

"He came back with a couple of things in terms of the intensity of the game at that level and some of the details around his game he really wanted to focus on.

"If I look at his levels from the start of the season in terms of the qualities he's showing, recognising when to drop in, when to run in behind and being a goal threat, he's in a good space."

Ibragimov had previously been thought of as a number 10, but that was the position JJ Gabriel slotted into at Under-18 level last season.

Ibragimov missed a significant chunk of last season due to a broken foot and with Gabriel now destined to leave, it remains to be seen if Lawrence will tinker with his position.

"He could end up as a centre-forward or an attacking midfield player," he said.

"He's at his best when he's in the middle of the pitch because he likes to be involved in the game; whether that's from deeper coming onto things or from higher up the pitch and dropping in, a sort of 8-10-9 position.

"He's got some real ability and potential to create and score goals. But obviously when he plays in midfield, he brings a lot of energy and intensity, and his team-mates follow him in that way as well.

"Most importantly at the moment, he's fit and strong, and his performances have been at a good level, so he has a real good platform to work on for the rest of the season."

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Manchester United's performances so far this season and whether manager Michael Carrick is to blame for a lack of passion on the pitch.

Here are a selection of your comments:

Mark: It was like watching a game of walking football. It seems the training hasn't changed since Carrick took over. We seem to be slowing down, unable to run and chase. The only thing that needs to change is everything.

Clive: I think Michael Carrick is out of his depth at the top level of the Premier League and Champions League. He takes too long to change things tactically regarding substitutes, and his backroom staff also seem lost when the opposition are outplaying United in all aspects of game. He has until Christmas to turn things around.

Sue: I'm so disappointed with United's performances. I was really looking forward to this season given how we ended last season and was very optimistic. Five games in with five points is unacceptable. Carrick has to take responsibility for the lack of passion and intensity that was shown in the game against Fulham. That was one of the most lacklustre performances I have ever seen from United. I don't enjoy international breaks but my goodness I'm so happy we've got one now to try and recover and reset.

Simon: The body language of Michael Carrick, standing still on the touchline with his hands behind his back, is giving the impression that all is well on the pitch. He needs to be showing emotion by shouting instructions and encouragement to his team. His visible lack of passion does nothing for morale for supporters.

Carol: They lack belief and don't seem to play with passion. Carrick needs to show more passion during matches and be more obviously involved in the game. His players need to be galvanised.

Lea: Not sure you can blame it on Carrick as he wasn't any different last season and got the job done. The difference is down to other teams just being better than us. They work harder and want it more. The board delivered a poor transfer window and that will definitely have an affect on the team's morale when you see everyone around you strengthening and you're not getting what you need. This will also affect Carrick, although he won't let on it does. They all need to knuckle down and be professional now.

Ru: Did anyone see Cunha's reaction on scoring against Fulham? It spoke volumes about the commitment of the players. Carrick's commitment to Man Utd started in July 2006 not in September 2026 so I suggest that this is sufficient to allow him more time than presiding over two losses and two draws whilst maintaining a calm disposition to determine his fate. If you need more, look no further than our participation this year in the Champions League, which was solely down to him and his team. It is time for some patience. Remember that it took Sir Alex Ferguson four years to win anything!

Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Gary Neville setting the media agenda when it comes to Manchester United is not a new thing.

The former England defender has called out the team's shortcomings on many previous occasions.

One instance was in December 2021, after a poor first-half performance against a struggling Newcastle side when Ralf Rangnick's side trailed 1-0 at the break.

"They're a bunch of whinge-bags," Neville said at half-time on Sky Sports. "I'll not go into names but they're whinging at each other, arms up in the air complaining about everything.

"There's no pressing, no urgency, the basics of the game."

Edinson Cavani rescued a point at St James' Park, but Neville's comments had already made the headlines.

You only need to look at how the post-match coverage developed after the Fulham draw.

Neville's remarks were put to Michael Carrick at full-time. The United manager said fitness levels of his players were not an issue.

But the die was cast.

'Neville: That was the worst ever', read the back page of Monday's Daily Telegraph.

'15 minutes of shame', was the lead for the sports section of the Daily Star.

'United boss keeps calm after Neville Ful blast', said the Daily Express.

It was picked up across online media, and discussed at length on radio talk shows - including across the BBC, as evidenced by this piece.

When Neville criticises his former club, it carries weight.

In January, with Ruben Amorim under pressure for poor results, the Portuguese head coach said that "if people cannot handle the Gary Nevilles and the criticisms of everything, we need to change the club".

Amorim was dismissed the following day.

There always seems to be a strong influence in the media related to the dominant team of a previous era.

For example, throughout the 1990s and 2000s, former Liverpool stars such as Alan Hansen, Mark Lawrenson and Phil Thompson dominated a lot of the conversation.

It stands to reason that members of the all-conquering United squad will now have a leading role in the media.

But for Neville, it is bigger than anyone apart perhaps from Gary Lineker and his Goalhanger production company.

Read more here

Crystal Palace left-back Tyrick Mitchell, 27, is attracting growing interest from Manchester United and Liverpool. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

The co-host of the Devil's Advocate podcast, Gaz Drinkwater, believes the "writing is on the wall" for Michael Carrick and that the former Manchester United midfielder will be sacked by Christmas.

After five league matches, United sit 12th in the table on five points - their joint-worst return at this stage of a Premier League season.

A late Matheus Cunha equaliser helped spare Carrick's blushes against Fulham and avoided United going into the long international break on the back of three straight defeats in all competitions.

This run included getting knocked out of the Carabao Cup in embarrassing fashion when they let a two-goal lead slip against Brighton at Old Trafford - plus a home derby defeat by Manchester City.

However, even though Drinkwater believes it would be "reckless" to call time on Carrick's tenure in charge already, he thinks that outcome is inevitable.

"Obviously Michael Carrick hasn't done enough to get sacked," he said. "I'm not saying that. Sacking him now would be trigger-happy, would be reckless and would be silly.

"You have to judge him over at the very least 10 games of the Premier League season.

"The writing is on the wall already. He's going to be gone by Christmas. He's not going to turn this around. He's going to be gone by Christmas, so what's the point in him being here now?

"It doesn't fix anything, by the way. I don't think it's going to be a Ruben Amorim situation where the new guy comes in and he actually does sensible things. I don't necessarily think that's the case this time.

"I was watching it [against Fulham] and it's like the players don't look very good. The quality isn't there. The passing was ridiculous. Loose touches, horrible football. I hope he turns it around."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds here

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko says he is "very sorry" after pulling out of Slovenia's forthcoming Nations League matches so he can "fully dedicate" himself to his recovery.

The 23-year-old missed the 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday with a shin injury sustained against Brighton in the Carabao Cup.

He joins United team-mates Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Karl Darlow in withdrawing from international duty.

"I have always played for Slovenia and will always play with heart and pride. The most important thing now is to fully dedicate myself to recovery," Sesko posted on Instagram.

"I am already working on getting back on the field as soon as possible and helping the national team and the club again."

United's next match is at home to Tottenham on 10 October.

"Benjamin will undergo tests this week before defining his individual recovery plan," said a club statement.

Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United's dismal running and sprinting statistics made for stark reading in the wake of Gary Neville's criticism following the draw against Fulham.

The former right-back directly questioned the team's lack of effort and referred to the players as "mannequins".

He said United - and Fulham - were walking too much during the game.

In the Premier League this season only four teams have covered less distance than the Red Devils, and just three teams have produced fewer sprints.

It comes alongside United's joint-worst start to a Premier League season, with four points from five games.

So is this down to their lack of running and overall effort?

Let's take a look at the second half of last season, after Michael Carrick had been appointed as interim manager.

Between 17 January and the end of the campaign, United picked up more points than any other team - 39 from 17 games.

Yet only four teams ran less than United, and only two clubs had fewer sprints.

There is no material difference in the running stats between the seasons, but United were returning 2.29 points per game compared to 0.8 this season.

Something is clearly different, but it does not appear to be linked to this particular stat, because barely anything has changed - apart from the results. Perhaps this United squad simply does not have runners?

Then there is the comparison to rival teams.

Manchester City have won all five Premier League matches but have covered less distance than United. Enzo Maresca's squad have also recorded the lowest number of sprints in the division.

Brighton, one of the most exciting teams in the league this season and the top goalscorers, are just one place above United for sprints.

Perhaps United's problem is tactical and to do with personnel, rather than a simple case of not running enough?

Read the full piece here