Manchester United have taken just one win and six points from their opening six Premier League matches, leaving them 13th in the table and facing their worst start in 40 years.

The early results have renewed doubts over whether Michael Carrick can turn last season’s revival into a lasting solution. Carrick, a club legend, restored confidence during his previous spell in charge, guided United to third place and helped them qualify for the Champions League. He was subsequently handed a full-time contract, prompting hopes that stability had finally returned to Old Trafford.

Those expectations have quickly faded.

United have lost to Hull and Manchester City, while also being held by Fulham. Their home match against Tottenham offered another damaging example of their lack of control. They were ahead, Tottenham were reduced to 10 men and victory appeared secure, but United conceded in added time to draw 1-1.

The Carabao Cup brought an even more striking collapse. United led Brighton 2-0 at home but went on to lose 3-2. It was the club’s first home defeat after holding a two-goal advantage in the competition since 1976.

The attacking numbers offer little comfort. United have Cunha, Mbeumo, Rashford and Sesko among their forward options, and Opta statistics showed that after five Premier League matches they had recorded more shots than any other side. However, the average quality of those attempts remained among the lowest in the division.

The problem has not been a lack of investment. Almost £150m was spent on midfield during the summer, with Tielemans, Santos and Baleba brought in. Yet United continue to look vulnerable between the lines, while weaknesses in individual positions have not been resolved.

The results have also prolonged a remarkable story involving supporter Frank Illett. In October 2024, he promised not to cut his hair until Manchester United won five matches in a row. By 17 October 2026, 742 days had passed without him fulfilling that promise.

During that time, United changed managers, endured further upheaval, returned to the Champions League and spent heavily on players. Illett, however, still has not been able to visit the barber.

Carrick appeared to offer him hope in February, when United won four consecutive matches. They needed one more victory, but drew 1-1 with West Ham. The club’s results and performances have remained inconsistent, while Illett’s hair has continued to grow.

Carrick deserves credit for the progress made last season, but he now has to show that he can build a functioning system rather than simply provide a short-term lift. For a club with Manchester United’s history and support, one win in six matches and a third-place finish cannot be considered sufficient evidence of recovery.