Michael Carrick Under Fire as Manchester United Settle for Leeds Draw

Elland Road stalemate extends slump

Manchester United failed to get back on track on Sunday, stumbling to a 1-1 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road. The result stretches United's winless streak to six matches across all competitions.

Michael Carrick saw his team enter the weekend on the back of their worst start to a Premier League season, picking up only six points from their opening six fixtures. A midweek defeat against Atletico Madrid had already heightened the pressure on the manager. Lisandro Martinez started the match despite criticising director of football Jason Wilcox earlier in the week. Martinez had questioned the club's summer transfer business following last season's third place finish, though the defender apologised on Thursday before retaining his spot in Carrick's starting lineup.

Calvert-Lewin delivers again

The visitors found the breakthrough in the first half. Bryan Mbeumo met a low cross from Youri Tielemans and guided the ball past Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford to give United the lead.

Carrick's side could not protect that advantage. Dominic Calvert-Lewin brought Leeds level in the 51st minute by pouncing on a loose ball inside the penalty area. The forward has now scored in six of his last seven home Premier League appearances, bagging seven goals during that span. Since the start of April, only Erling Haaland, with 13 goals, has scored more Premier League goals than Calvert-Lewin's eight.

What it means for the next game

United need to turn things around quickly with two fixtures arriving in short order.

Como vs Manchester United (Champions League, Wed, 21 Oct): Como win 46%, draw 26%, Manchester United win 28%; expected goals 1.64 to 1.24. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals. Our best value pick: Como to win.

Manchester United vs AFC Bournemouth (Premier League, Sun, 25 Oct): Manchester United win 54%, draw 22%, AFC Bournemouth win 24%; expected goals 2.10 to 1.36. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.