Manchester United under pressure as City’s Premier League future remains uncertain

Manchester United face a difficult trip to Leeds on Sunday with manager Michael Carrick under growing pressure, after their worst league start in 40 years was followed by Lisandro Martinez’s criticism of the club’s hierarchy.

Manchester City, meanwhile, will look to maintain their perfect Premier League record while awaiting the outcome of a case involving more than 100 alleged breaches of league financial rules.

Brighton could emerge among the biggest beneficiaries if City receive severe sanctions. The Seagulls sit just two points behind second-placed Arsenal before Sunday’s rivalry match against Crystal Palace.

Carrick seeks response at Leeds

United have won only one of their first six league matches and were eliminated from the League Cup by Brighton last month. Their difficulties deepened after Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid, when Martinez questioned the club’s lack of investment in the squad.

The Argentina defender directed his criticism towards technical director Jason Wilcox, pointing to the fact that United signed only three midfielders during the transfer window.

Martinez has also been involved in some of the defensive problems that have contributed to United’s poor opening, including goals conceded against Fulham and Tottenham in recent weeks.

Leeds have not beaten United at Elland Road since 2002, although they did claim the only home defeat of Carrick’s interim spell in charge when the teams met in April last season.

Carrick is increasingly in danger of becoming the latest manager unable to halt United’s decline since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. He believes Sunday’s hostile setting can provide the right opportunity to respond.

“What a great game (on) Sunday to prepare for. It’s a fantastic game for us, for the club, for the history, for the supporters,” said Carrick.

“Everything to do with the game is a great game so we’ll be ready for that.”

City case puts competition on hold

Manchester City are top of the table with six league wins from six, but that start could ultimately count for little if they fail to overturn a guilty verdict relating to more than 100 alleged breaches of Premier League rules.

Enzo Maresca’s men put the issue aside to win 3-0 at Liverpool last weekend. They also responded impressively in the second half of Tuesday’s Champions League match, despite losing 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain.

City deny any wrongdoing. The case began eight years ago and is expected to continue for at least a few more months before an appeal is heard and a possible punishment is announced.

Former England manager Gareth Southgate said: “My underlying thought is none of this is good for football and there are no winners.”

City can move six points clear at the summit if they beat Ipswich at the Etihad on Saturday. Arsenal do not play until they visit Nottingham Forest 24 hours later.

Brighton targeting a stronger edge

Brighton’s only defeat this season came in a 3-0 loss to Arsenal. Their progress has continued despite regularly selling key players to wealthier clubs, with owner Tony Bloom’s use of data analytics helping drive the club’s rise through the divisions and into European football.

Brighton have never played in the Champions League, but their recruitment of players and coaches has kept them competitive.

Manager Fabian Hurzeler wants his team to adopt a more aggressive approach against Crystal Palace.

“We want to be ruthless. We want to create this energetic atmosphere where it makes it so hard to come to this place,” he said. “We have to keep building this together with our fans and not be the nice football club anymore.”

Fixtures (SAST)

Saturday

Everton v Chelsea (1.30pm), Fulham v Hull, Brentford v Liverpool, Manchester City v Ipswich (all 4pm), Newcastle v Aston Villa (6.30pm)

Sunday

Brighton v Crystal Palace, Leeds v Manchester United, Bournemouth v Sunderland (all 3pm), Nottingham Forest v Arsenal (5.3pm)

Monday

Tottenham v Coventry (9pm)