Carrick says Manchester United have made a ‘fresh start’ after worst start since 1986

Michael Carrick says Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United marked a “fresh start” for his side, despite the result leaving them with their worst league record after seven games since 1986.

Bryan Mbeumo put United ahead in the first half at Elland Road, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin equalised shortly after the interval. The result leaves Manchester United with seven points from seven games and in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

Carrick nevertheless believed the derby showed his players had responded positively to a difficult start, particularly in the way they dealt with the mental demands of the match.

“It felt like a bit of a fresh start today, if I’m being honest,” Carrick said.

“Where we’re at, accepting it and doing something about it. It definitely shows that the boys are desperate, really desperate to do well for each other. There was a real purpose to the group over the past few days, and they took it onto the pitch.”

A reshaped midfield was central to Carrick’s assessment. Summer signings Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos started alongside Youri Tielemans, giving United a new-look combination in the centre of the pitch.

Carrick said the trio had provided greater strength through the middle and praised the contribution of the two younger players as they continue adapting to life at the club.

“There was a freshness to the group,” he said.

“If you look at this midfield with Carlos and Andrey, they gave a fresh spine to the team through the middle. They are young players adapting to life at the club, they were terrific and both did well. That’s a massive positive for us.”

Carrick also played down questions surrounding captain Bruno Fernandes, after being asked about speculation over the midfielder’s fitness and body language.

“No, he’s alright. It’s really not a big deal,” Carrick said when asked whether Fernandes was carrying an injury.

“He was absolutely fine today, don’t worry. Today he played where he has been for us, through the middle of the pitch. He’s an important part of our team and has been for some time, that’s not changed.”

United’s place in the lower half of the table remains a concern, and Carrick acknowledged that the club could not regard the situation as acceptable. However, he said there was enough character in the squad to recover.

“Listen, we’re not accepting it as ‘everything is great’ by any stretch. I’m realistic about that,” he said.

“Sometimes you do struggle, sometimes you have to just find a way through it. I have no doubts that we can go on a good run. If we keep doing the right things, I think we’re going to have a good season.”