Pressure on Michael Carrick is intensifying after Manchester United failed to beat 10-man Manchester City in a 1-0 derby defeat at Old Trafford, Gary Neville has warned.
United were unable to make their numerical advantage count after Phil Foden was sent off early in the first half. Erling Haaland’s controversial winner proved decisive, despite an admission from Pro Ref that the goal should have been reviewed by the video assistant referee.
The refereeing body said it had contacted Manchester United to acknowledge an “error of judgment”, adding that VAR “should have recommended an on-field review”. Enzo Fernandez, who was in an offside position, may have influenced the play. United have also received an apology over the decision.
Neville said Carrick had every right to be frustrated by the ruling, but argued that United’s performance was the greater concern.
“Michael Carrick can be angry about the goal but he should also be angry about the performance,” Neville said on his podcast.
He was particularly critical of United’s management of the closing stages, when they failed to build sustained pressure against a City side playing with 10 men.
“It was an awful last 10 minutes from an experience perspective for Manchester United because that’s where you think, to be fair, you throw the kitchen sink at it, and you’re building the crowd up and the pressure up and it’s a pressure cooker and you get a goal,” Neville said.
The defeat was United’s third against a 10-man opponent in the last year. They also lost 1-0 to Everton last season after Idrissa Gana Gueye was dismissed at Old Trafford.
United have taken only four points from their opening four Premier League matches, matching the club’s worst start to a season. Carrick’s record after four games is also identical to Ruben Amorim’s at the same stage last season.
“It was a bad day for Manchester United, it really was,” Neville said. “You’re losing a derby, it’s a shocking day anyway. I’ve lost derbies myself, it’s awful, but then to not score a goal against 10 men is not what I expected today. I expected goals from Manchester United.”
Neville acknowledged that it remained early in the campaign but said United’s displays were already raising questions.
“It is early but there are some concerning signs. They’re not playing well in matches and they’re also struggling in matches,” he said.
United’s next match is away to Fulham on Sunday, and Neville believes it will represent another significant test for Carrick.
“Next Sunday against Fulham, that becomes a real pressure game now because obviously Fulham have not started the season that well,” he said.
