For a third year running, Bournemouth have scored three goals at Old Trafford.

This time, Manchester United had no answer, slumping to a three-nil defeat.

Despite Michael Carrick’s promise of “being a different team on Sunday”, the Red Devils delivered more of the same to midweek’s 4-1 Como defeat, losing by three goals once again.

We’ve assessed five key learnings from the encounter, as the pressure was piled onto senior figures at the club once again.

Test too tough

It was always going to be a tough game for United. Tougher considering the circumstances.

Off the back of a midweek Europa League win over Ruben Amorim and AC Milan, the Cherries were full of confidence heading to Old Trafford.

Marco Rose’s side did not falter, overcoming the home side with ease.

Attacking issues remain

With no out-and-out striker, no left winger or ‘No.10’ after Bruno Fernandes was dropped, United’s attacking issues summed them up.

The Red Devils dominated the ball, with 63% possession, but were fruitless going forward.

Michael Carrick isn’t making the most of what he has at his disposal, but he isn’t being helped by a poor summer of recruitment and injury woes.

Players lacking belief

It appears almost all hope is lost in Carrick from his squad. Bruno Fernandes’s critical comments of his manager’s tactics in midweek against Como were probably correct, while ill-mannered, and the players who were selected proved it.

It didn’t matter that United had 17 shots. They created no glaring opportunities.

Against Bournemouth, the players looked uninspired once again.

Demoralised Old Trafford telling

Bournemouth’s performance sucked the life out of the Theatre of Dreams, but Manchester United’s players gave their fans no hope to grasp.

At full-time, Carrick’s name did ring out around Old Trafford, but only in commemoration of the head coach that is surely going to be sacked in the coming days.

Once the United boss had headed down the tunnel, the Stretford End berated the players, summing up where the anger lies with most supporters.

Writing on wall for Carrick

Putting every factor together, it’s clear Manchester United and Michael Carrick is a working partnership that is about to end.

Whether it’s in the coming hours, days or weeks, expect an announcement confirming the departure of the former player and some of his coaching staff. While the situation may not be the fault of Carrick, he is the only switchable asset in the gloomy months of October.