Jamie Carragher has criticised Manchester United’s start to the 2026/27 season, questioning whether Michael Carrick is equipped to manage the club and accusing the squad of failing to work hard enough.
United have won only two of their nine matches in all competitions and were eliminated from the Carabao Cup. Their poor run continued with a home draw against 10-man Tottenham, who were bottom of the league, before a Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid.
The results have intensified scrutiny of Carrick, who performed well as interim manager last season before being handed the role permanently. Carragher believes appointing the 45-year-old was a gamble that is now looking increasingly questionable.
Jamie Carragher’s criticism of Manchester United
Writing in his Telegraph column, the former Liverpool defender said United’s problems extended beyond the manager, pointing to a lack of effort from the players and a damaging atmosphere around the club.
“United are struggling again because Carrick has not proven himself up to one of the biggest jobs in football, and he has a group of players who do not run. The evidence is there for all to see and it is now mixing a toxic cocktail,” Carragher said.
Lisandro Martinez recently criticised Manchester United’s lack of investment in the transfer market after the defeat by Atletico Madrid. Carragher warned that those comments could come under further scrutiny if the team’s commitment is questioned again.
“Martinez’s remarks will not age well to those backing him if the commitment of United’s players at Leeds this weekend is questioned as much as it was against Fulham, Spurs and at the start of the Atletico game, when they did not look physically and mentally ready,” he said.
United face Leeds this weekend in need of both a result and an improved performance. Another setback would increase the pressure on Carrick, whose experience, character and suitability for the job are already being questioned.
