After an impressive third-place finish last season, United invested heavily in their midfield this summer, splashing £155million on Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba.
But the club’s failure to invest further to address a lack of depth at left-back and striker has come under scrutiny, particularly after a sluggish start to the season, with only two wins from their first nine matches in all competitions.
That scrutiny came to a head after United’s midweek defeat to Atletico Madrid, when United centre-back Martinez launched into a furious tirade at Director of Football Jason Wilcox for failing to strengthen the squad.
Martinez has since apologised and been fined for the outburst, but Carrick has hinted that the club will heed the Argentine’s advice and look to bring in fresh legs when the transfer market reopens.
‘When the next transfer window comes, you want to plan and you want to make the best of it,’ Carrick told Sky Sports
‘Whatever that looks like at this stage, we don’t quite know. But without doubt, there’s opportunity because the transfer window is open.
Lisandro Martinez’s comments have put United’s transfer policy under the spotlight (Picture: PA)
‘So we’ll definitely be looking at that and trying to come out stronger in whatever way that looks like.’
In his remarkable post-match interview, Martinez also suggested that the club’s hierarchy had a lack of ambition, but Carrick pushed back against that suggestion.
‘We’re striving to get back to the top,’ he added. ‘We’ve been there before, repeatedly.
‘We’ve had a bit of a spell when we haven’t quite been there. For all of us, we’re striving to get to the top and we’re building. We’re acknowledging that we’re building and we’re coming from behind.
United are winless in five games in all competitions (Picture: Reuters)
‘That’s pretty obvious, it’s factual. We’re all pushing to get there. No one more so than me.
‘I’m desperate to get this club to where we feel we belong. We’ve got to earn that and that comes from a lot of different things. We’re all pushing in the same direction to try and achieve that.’
United face a stern test against Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday, but Carrick insisted he is not fearful for his job should results not turn around in the coming weeks.
‘It’s not something that I think about,’ he added.
‘I’m here to win football matches, but winning football matches short term with an eye on developing the club and pushing the club to be great.
‘Again, in terms of results and winning things, it’s a great club anyway, but on the pitch, we need to be great.
‘We haven’t quite hit that level in recent times, and I understand that. But I don’t think about myself in my own situation, about how much time or what it looks like for me. There’s no individual that’s more important than this football club.’
Alex Scott sits down with Kasper and Peter Schmeichel on the latest Football Interview on the Football Daily podcast. The father-son duo reflect on their Premier League title wins, and discuss what it was like for Kasper growing up as the son of Peter Schmeichel. And with Kasper having just retired, how do footballers deal with coming to the end of their playing careers?
Timecodes:
00:17 Memories of winning Premier League titles
01:47 Was Kasper always destined to be a goalkeeper?
05:18 The father-son dynamic, and Peter giving goalkeeping advice
06:50 The evolution of goalkeeping
08:20 Kasper's retirement and forming a band?!
Arteta is not interested in excuses (Picture: Paul Marriott/Shutterstock)
Mikel Arteta has told any member of his squad struggling for first-team minutes that they need to ‘train more’ with the Arsenal boss not interested in excuses about match rhythm.
The Gunners have assembled one of the deepest squads in European football over the last couple of years with Ezri Konsa, Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis arriving in the summer transfer window.
Arteta does have a clear first choice starting XI when everyone is fit however with seven players starting all six Premier League games so far this season in his settled side.
The Gunners boss has rang in changes outside of the Premier League in the Carabao Cup and the Champions League.
He rotated his side midweek against Lille with Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyokeres starting but the duo failed to take their chances, replaced midway through the second half.
A demanding season across four competitions will force Arteta’s hand as the campaign progresses but Arteta has warned he does not accept any excuses over performance levels this term.
After it was suggested those midweek performances could have been down to a lack of rhythm and limited game time this season, Arteta fired back on Friday: “They need to train more then.
Gyokeres failed to make an impact midweek (Picture: Getty)
‘What I don’t want is an excuse. ‘No but when I play I lack rhythm’. Yeah? So what do we do then? We send you on holidays?
‘So you play, you have to be available. When you don’t play, you have to make sure that you do everything you can to impact the team. Because otherwise the other ones that are playing, ‘I don’t perform because I’m tired’.
‘So then it’s always an excuse. I hate excuses. We know the role. We know that the competitiveness that we need in the team is at the maximum level and they are doing amazingly well.
Merino another who had little impact against Lille (Picture: Getty)
‘I don’t see any player that is playing that lacks rhythm or lacks this. Everybody is involved.
‘Everybody has played minutes and it will continue to be like this because they have really deserved that. So hopefully we can maintain that because it’s a massive asset for us.’
Sheearer reveals his latest round of predictions (Picture: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Another stacked weekend of Premier League action awaits with Alan Shearer back with his predictions ahead of kick-off.
Chelsea enjoyed a triumphant return to form following the international break last time out, putting five past Bournemouth after some disappointing results for Xabi Alonso’s side.
They are on the road on Saturday away to Everton with Liverpool also facing a big test away from home as they head to Brentford.
Manchester City can extend their lead at the top of the league when they take on Ipswich Town at the Etihad with Arsenal not in action until Sunday when they take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
I see Everton still being unbeaten and I’m going to go for a draw. I think it is really tough to call though. With that forward line for Chelsea of Palmer, Rogers and Joao Pedro, you’d do well to stop them, but I think Everton will also score as well because I’m not convinced by Chelsea defensively and I think it will be a score draw.
Henderson impressed for Chelsea last weekend (Picture: Chelsea FC)
That front three for Chelsea are brilliant. They offer a bit of class in different ways. Their movement is superb as well as ability to handle the ball. If they can keep those three fit, Chelsea are a great watch. They’re very entertaining because they do concede goals, but they flew out the blocks last week, didn’t they? That’s what they can do to you. They can hurt you. However, I’m going to go for a score draw against Everton.
Prediction – Draw
Betfair Predicts
Everton 35% Draw 26% Chelsea 45%
Brentford vs Liverpool
I’m going to go for a home win. I think Brentford are brilliant in what Keith Andrews has got them all doing. They showed that when 2-1 down last week, they still got the point at Villa Park. I think with Liverpool playing in Europe, then travelling to London and then in Europe again on Tuesday night, I’m going to go for a home win.
Liverpool were back to winning ways midweek (Picture: Liverpool FC)
Andoni Iraola has got injuries, so I guess that in itself will make it tough for them. Liverpool can’t afford a defeat, but I think Brentford will beat them and pile on the pressure.
Prediction- Brentford win
Betfair Predicts
Brentford 41% Draw 26% Liverpool 34%
Fulham vs Hull
This is a tough one to call because Fulham are desperate for a win. They went 1-0 up against Ipswich and then all of a sudden, you sit back, which is a natural thing and they got punished. They desperately need to get over the line and get a victory. Arbeloa is another manager that will be under huge pressure if they don’t win.
I’m going to say draw again because you just never know. I think Hull will be more than happy with how they’ve started the season, and I think they’ll go to Craven Cottage and they’ll get a point.
Prediction – Draw
Betfair Predicts
Fulham 57% Draw 24% Hull 19%
Manchester City vs Ipswich
City’s win last week at Anfield was impressive, albeit it all hinged on the sending off. I think in terms of mentality, we saw how they are. They were much better in the second half against PSG, and I really expect them to pick up three points here. As good as Ipswich have had at the start to the season, I don’t see them getting anything from this game.
City won at Anfield last weekend (Picture: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA)
Haaland will be hoping to add to his goal tally this weekend. It doesn’t bother me, FPL, but I guess all the people playing FPL will captain Haaland this weekend.
Prediction – Manchester City win
Betfair Predicts
Manchester City 80%
Draw 13% Ipswich 7%
Newcastle vs Aston Villa
With Aston Villa playing yesterday in the Champions League and playing again in the Champions League next week it gives Newcastle a big chance. Newcastle got battered on Monday. I’m going to go home win because the pressure is on and I don’t think it would be acceptable to have that again.
I think there’s an expectation that things will change at Newcastle, and I think they might just nick it at home.
Aston Villa are the same as Newcastle; They are up and down being like a yo-yo. As great as that result was in midweek, you don’t know what will happen in the league for Villa after that. Nicolas Jackson is clearly enjoying himself at Aston Villa and got a couple of goals on Wednesday. I’m going to say a Newcastle home win, just.
Prediction – Newcastle win
Betfair Predicts
Newcastle 42% Draw 26% Aston Villa 33%
Bournemouth vs Sunderland
Tough one to call, Bournemouth need a result and Sunderland aren’t the same without Brian Brobbey. I think Bournemouth will get their win so I’m going for a Bournemouth home win.
Alex Scott’s still out injured as well. He’s a big miss for Bournemouth, but I think with them being at home, I’m going to say home win.
Prediction – Bournemouth win
Betfair Predicts
Bournemouth 46% Draw 27% Sunderland 27%
Brighton vs Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace got the win last week, but they could’ve been three or four down with the chances that Forest missed. Brighton got a great result at Sunderland and got the red card overturned, which again was a ridiculous decision anyway, but I think Brighton will have enough to beat Crystal Palace. They’re flying, Brighton, so I expect that to continue.
Prediction – Brighton win
Betfair Predicts
Brighton 63% Draw 21% Crystal Palace 17%
Leeds vs Manchester United
Elland Road will be absolutely bouncing. They’re up against it, Man United and they’re up against this Leeds team who are going to make it very difficult. They were brilliant at Arsenal last week. I’ve got no faith or confidence in Man United. So, I’m going to say a home win. I think Leeds will beat them.
Lisandro Martinez lashed out midweek (Picture: Bradley Collyer/the Press Association)
Leeds went 1-0 up against Arsenal and they missed a couple of chances before that, so they deservedly took the lead. It was only then when Arsenal made the changes that they lost the game. So, I think Leeds will go into this with more belief and confidence, and they’ll know the pressure that Man United are under. I think they’ll feed off that, so that’s why I’m going to go for a home win.
I think Man United players are still playing for Michael Carrick. I think their reaction in Madrid on Tuesday night and also Martinez’s comments backed up that the players like Michael Carrick, but they’ve got to go out and get a result for him desperately because the pressure will be hugely on if Leeds beat them. Unfortunately for Michael, I think Leeds will win this weekend.
Prediction – Leeds win
Betfair Predicts
Leeds 41% Draw 27% Manchester United 33%
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal
Nottingham Forest got a terrible result last week against Crystal Palace but they missed massive chances. I mean, Liam Delap missed an absolute sitter, as did others and then when that happened, Crystal Palace went up the other end and scored. Then all of sudden you just go flat. Oliver Glasner needs a result, very much like other managers, you need a result when you’re struggling, and Forest are struggling and need a win massively. I don’t see it happening against Arsenal. I think Arsenal will win.
Prediction – Arsenal win
Betfair Predicts
Nottingham Forest 16% Draw 25% Arsenal 59%
Tottenham vs Coventry
A huge one to call. I mean, if Tottenham don’t win this one then I see them in a relegation battle again this season. I do think I was impressed with them last weekend with their attitude, with how much pressure was on and how they performed. So, I’m going to go for a home win, and a much needed one for De Zerbi.
Chelsea captain Reece James is set for another spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a ‘minor’ knee injury.
James featured in all of Chelsea’s first six games under new boss Xabi Alonso before missing the 3-0 defeat to Brentford before the international break with a hamstring issue.
James was not called up for England duty and was hoping to make his return to action after the extended three-week international break.
However, the Blues skipper then picked up a minor knee injury in training which saw him miss last weekend’s emphatic 5-1 win over Bournemouuth.
And James now looks set for a longer spell away from the first team after tests showed he required surgery on his latest injury problem.
A statement from Chelsea read: ‘Captain Reece James has undergone successful minor knee surgery.
‘The 26-year-old was absent from Saturday’s 5-1 victory over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge while medical assessments took place following the injury suffered in training.
James is set for another spell on the sidelines (Picture: Getty)
‘Those assessments confirmed surgery would be the required course of action.
‘Reece has already begun his road to recovery and will be supported by the club’s medical department at Cobham during this rehabilitation phase.
‘Everyone at Chelsea wishes Reece a speedy recovery and will support him on his road to return.’
United are also dealing with injury problems with Benjamin Sesko ruled out again in one of the key areas of the pitch the club failed to strengthen in the summer.
They now face a daunting trip to Elland Road to take on a Leeds side in excellent form. Daniel Farke’s side were beaten by Arsenal last time out but impressed in north London and sit seven places above United ahead of Sunday’s clash.
Former Leeds defender Matt Kilgallon is convinced his old side will pile more misery on their old rivals, believing the high-energy hosts will run a beleaguered United off the park.
‘Leeds are a full pride of lions, ready to feast on a carcass,’ Kilgallon told Metro via 32Red Belgium.
Leeds’ midfield could pose huge problems (Picture:REUTERS)
‘Leeds are going to be out of the traps like greyhounds, and United need to be really cautious with that, because of the crowd and it being a derby. It could be a bloodbath.
‘Leeds United, the players and Farke, are going to smell blood.
‘They’ll have watched them against Tottenham looking weak, no running. Man United are a wounded animal, and if Farke gets that into the players, he will tell them to start quickly, get after them. He will be telling them [United] are a wounded animal, let’s finish them off early doors, get a couple of goals up and then enjoy the game, enjoy the atmosphere, play with no fear.
‘It has been a long time since Leeds United have been a better team than Manchester United.’
The partnership of Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo in United’s midfield has come in for particular criticism with former United captain Gary Neville convinced the pairing is not athletic or dynamic enough for battle.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin could punish United (Picture: REUTERS)
Leeds’ pairing of Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka meanwhile has that sort of energy and work rate in abundance with Kilgallon believing they will ‘run all over’ the opposition.
‘If you’re not running, I don’t care how good you are,’ Kilgallon said. ‘You look at Tielemans, you look at Mainoo on the ball, they absolutely fantastic out there. But they aren’t getting around the pitch enough at Man Utd.
‘Now they’re going to be up against Ampadu and Tanaka, and their first thing for breakfast is energy. Up and down, they’re all over the place. They’ll sit in at centre half if someone goes forward, they’ll come right back. They pick it up very quickly. They’ll do jobs, anybody’s job and they can run over the top of United too.
‘Are they as good as Mainoo and Tielemans on the ball? Maybe not, but they have the energy and the hustle and bustle and they also have got their own quality. I can just see them running over the top of Man United, I really can. I think it’s going to be a really tough afternoon for them.’
In an eye-opening interview following Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, Martinez accused the Old Trafford hierarchy of letting the squad down with their failure to sign more players over the summer.
The Argentine World Cup winner said he expected more investment in the United squad and ‘more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox]’.
Manchester United spent over £150m on three midfielders – Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos – but failed to bolster Carrick’s squad in other areas of the pitch.
‘After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted,’ Martinez said.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez (Picture: Getty)
‘Those who know me know how I live football, with passion, commitment and a huge desire to win. And when things don’t go our way, it hurts, especially when representing a club with the history and stature of Manchester United.
‘My words reflect how I feel and how much I want to see this club competing for the biggest honours. Those high standards are part of how I see football and the responsibility that comes with wearing this shirt.
‘When I talk about wanting more, I’m talking about the ambition we must all have as part of this club.
‘To keep growing, to become stronger and to have everything we need to compete at the highest level. These are standards we must all hold ourselves to, starting with me.
‘I know that, first and foremost, it’s us, the players, who have to deliver, and I put myself at the front of that responsibility.
‘We need to demand even more of ourselves and work together to take Manchester United back to the top.
Ex-Premier League striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (Picture: Sky Sports)
‘I believe in my teammates, our manager and everyone working to help this club move forward. I’m convinced that the way forward is to keep working together, with ambition and commitment.
‘My goal has been the same since day one, to win, compete at the highest level and to give everything I have for this badge.’
Former Premier League striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Martinez’s comments were ‘valid’ but says he still should not have made them publicly.
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As a result, Hasselbaink ‘expects’ Martinez to be dropped for Manchester United’s trip to Leeds on Sunday and ‘the next few matches’.
‘His points are valid but do I think he should say it? That’s a different story,’ the former Chelsea, Middlesbrough, Leeds, Cardiff City and Atletico Madrid star told Sky Sports.
‘But his points are valid. I expect him to not play the next match or the next few matches, you cannot come out publicly and say what you said.’
Manchester United travel to Elland Road sitting just 13th in the Premier League, three points above the relegation zone.
