Seven statistics that show why Manchester United must sack Michael Carrick

Manchester United are set to sack Michael Carrick as manager with the club deciding change is necessary. United have endured a dismal start to the season, with the Red Devils in the Premier League relegation places heading into November's international break. Carrick was handed the permanent reins in the summer after an excellent interim period, but has been unable to maintain momentum. Here are seven statistics that suggest change is needed at Old Trafford. Manchester United are in the Premier League's relegation places with as many as 10 league games played for the first time since 1986/87. That campaign saw United remain in the relegation places until November, with Sir Alex Ferguson replacing Ron Atkinson to lead an upturn. United ended the campaign 11th. United are guaranteed to spent at least 15 consecutive days in the bottom three, their longest since a 28-day run that season. Manchester United have won one of their opening 10 league games. Carrick's side are the first team in 73 years to have that record, having finished in the top three the previous season. Arsenal were the last side to have such a downturn (1953/54). United's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford means no Premier League side has lost more home games by three or more goals since the 2023/24 campaign (7). Defensive issues have plagued Michael Carrick's side. United have conceded 30 goals across all competitions, a joint-leading figure among teams in Europe's top-five leagues. Slow starts have also been a major problem. United became the first English team in history to concede in the opening two minutes of consecutive major European matches earlier in the campaign (1st minute vs Atlético Madrid, 2nd minute vs Como). Furthermore, Roma set a new record for the earliest a team has ever scored twice at Old Trafford in a major European game, scoring twice inside 17 minutes. Aston Villa's quick start at Old Trafford last weekend was also the earliest Manchester United have ever been 2-0 down in a Premier League game. Villa were two goals ahead inside three minutes and 40 seconds.