Man Utd: Jeers and defensive crisis – Michael Carrick facing first big test
It has already been determined that Manchester United will try to sign at least two midfielders in the summer.
Casemiro’s impending departure creates a void, but in reality there is no depth.
As Carrick said pre-match, Kobbie Mainoo’s absence was a “minor problem” and left Manchester United without an effective link between defense and attack, someone who could pick up the ball and move it quickly in tight spaces.
It sounds simple, but when it’s not there the loss is obvious.
Manuel Ugarte does not have Mainoo’s control and awareness of the ball. While the Uruguayan midfielder isn’t Manchester United’s worst player, he lacks the talent to lift a team in dire straits.
He works hard and hopes someone else can create the magic. That’s not enough for where United are, let alone where they want to be.
Thursday, when Carrick will speak to the media again ahead of his trip to Chelsea, is likely to be the day when an indication of Mainoo’s availability for Chelsea and beyond will become clear.
If the England international disappears again, it will be a big problem, even if Carrick tries to play it down.
“He’s been pretty good when he’s been playing since I came here,” he said.
“It was a tough game, a tough night, not just for him. When we were down to 10 men I thought he was really important and added a lot to the other players.”
Carrick also made the bold decision to leave Bryan Mbeumo on the bench for the first time in the Premier League this season. It didn’t work.
Neither Mbeumo nor Amad Diallo have found form since returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty. Matheus Cunha has been in and out of matches and Benjamin Sesko has been more effective off the bench, having had the home side’s two best chances and never having found the goal.
This means the onus falls on captain Bruno Fernandes to create opportunities.
Fernandes made his 17th assist in the Premier League when Casemiro headed home, three shy of the record for a season. But deep into stoppage time, he found just one Leeds header when he had the chance to cross deep into the box again. Someone needs to share the responsibility.
