Michael Carrick is under immense pressure at Manchester United following a disastrous start to the 2026/27 campaign, with just two wins from his opening 12 matches across all competitions.

It represents an extraordinary collapse after Carrick’s impressive spell last season, when he replaced Ruben Amorim and transformed United’s fortunes.

The former midfielder won 11 of his first 16 matches, securing third place and Champions League qualification, with statement victories over Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.

However, that momentum has completely disappeared, with Sunday’s humiliating 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth extending United’s winless run to eight matches.

Many expected Carrick to be dismissed immediately, but he is now set to remain in charge for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea, offering him another opportunity to turn the situation around.

Interestingly, Carrick has also endured a difficult time against bitter rivals Leeds United.

In April, Leeds secured their first league victory at Old Trafford since 1981, winning 2-1 after Noah Okafor scored twice and Lisandro Martinez received a red card.

The two sides met again on 18 October, when United surrendered a first-half lead at Elland Road to draw 1-1.

Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin equalised from a corner shortly after half-time.

Despite Carlos Baleba impressing on his first Premier League start, United’s makeshift defence struggled, with Martinez replaced at half-time and several defenders operating outside their natural positions.

Now, amid the uncertainty surrounding Carrick’s future, Manchester United have made a new coaching appointment involving their fierce Yorkshire rivals.

Leeds United coach officially joins Manchester United

Manchester United have appointed former Leeds United academy coach Dominic Rowe, who confirmed his arrival at Old Trafford through his personal LinkedIn account.

Rowe announced: “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as an academy coach at Manchester United.”

His professional profile confirms that he joined United on a full-time basis in October 2026, ending a two-year spell at Leeds, where he had worked since August 2024.

The UEFA A Licence holder brings considerable experience in youth development, having previously served as Bradford City’s Under-16s lead academy coach between August 2022 and August 2024.

Before that, Rowe spent seven years coaching at Bradford City Community Foundation, while his playing career included spells with Bradford City, Barrow and Harrogate Town.

He obtained his UEFA A Licence in February 2024 and also holds an FA Talent ID Level 2 qualification.

The appointment strengthens United’s academy coaching structure rather than Carrick’s senior backroom staff, with the 45-year-old remaining in charge of first-team affairs.

Nevertheless, recruiting an experienced coach directly from Leeds represents an interesting move as United continue developing their next generation of talent.