Harry Redknapp has delivered a brutal assessment of Michael Carrick's managerial qualities at Manchester United

Harry Redknapp has branded Manchester United boss Michael Carrick as 'too laid back' and admitted he never envisioned him going into management. The 45-year-old, who was handed his senior debut by Redknapp, impressed during a brief caretaker stint at Old Trafford earlier this year but has found wins hard to come by since taking the reins permanently.

Tuesday's 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid extended United's winless run to five matches. Carrick's only victories this season have come against Ipswich Town and Azerbaijani side Sabah.

Sunday's trip to Elland Road to take on local rivals Leeds United is therefore crucial, with tricky fixtures against Como, Bournemouth and Chelsea to follow. Carrick's first managerial role at Middlesbrough began promisingly before unravelling, with the former midfielder dismissed after two-and-a-half years at the helm.

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Whether he can navigate his way through this difficult patch remains to be seen, with Redknapp's candid assessment of his personality and approach raising further questions about his prospects. He wrote in his column for The Sun: "I've known Michael since he was 12-years-old at West Ham.

"I can't say I always saw a manager in him. Michael's always been a lovely guy from a lovely family, a really intelligent footballer who knew the game, read it, controlled matches. But he's always been a quiet lad, too, laid-back. It's what he is.

"When United scored against Tottenham the other day, he wasn't running up and down the touchline - the complete opposite to Roberto De Zerbi, kissing the ball and all that when they equalised. Results haven't been great but I hope he turns it around and keeps the job because I love him.

"You can change Michael tomorrow and they are still not going to finish any higher than fifth or sixth this season. That's how I see their team. They're nowhere near good enough to challenge for a title.

"That's what Michael is dealing with. And it would be the same for anyone else, whoever they bring in."

The dismal run of results and a daunting fixture awaiting United have already heaped considerable pressure on Carrick, with inflammatory remarks from Lisandro Martinez directed at Jason Wilcox only intensifying the scrutiny.

The Argentine slammed his failure to strengthen the squad during the summer window, with injuries leaving Ayden Heaven to fill in out of position in the Spanish capital. Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have also been pressed into service up front in the absence of Benjamin Sesko.

Following his very public outburst, Martinez issued two statements, the first of which sought to clarify his remarks but stopped short of offering an apology. The centre-back included this in a second Instagram post, also disclosing that he had held talks with Carrick and other senior club officials.

He has since been handed a fine for his remarks, though whether he will retain his place in the starting line-up remains to be seen.