Manchester United endured the worst outing of Michael Carrick’s reign thus far as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Leeds United.
Noah Okafor gave the visitors a deserved lead in the fifth minute, capitalising on poor defending from the hosts. Carrick’s men looked half asleep and the 24-day break was clearly having an impact.
It got worse for the Reds when Okafor made it two and grabbed a brace in the 29th minute. United failed to clear their lines and the Swiss forward found the back of the net to stun Old Trafford.
Carrick’s side had their chances but it was the worst first-half performance of the coach’s tenure thus far. It went from bad to worse in the 56th minute when Lisandro Martinez was sent off for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair.
United got themselves back into the game through Casemiro who headed home a sensational Bruno Fernandes ball into the box. It was desperately needed and the Reds pushed for an equaliser but just couldn’t find it.
Manchester United Player Ratings vs Leeds
Senne Lammens – 5/10
Made a brilliant early save from Calvert-Lewin but couldn’t do anything about Okafor’s brace. The Belgian wasn’t at his best and he was bailed out by Martinez when Ao Tanaka rounded him.
Noussair Mazraoui – 3/10
So poor in the first half, giving the ball away and losing his man. Mazraoui has endured an alarming fall off that has gone under the radar, and Diogo Dalot is undoubtedly the starting right-back.
Leny Yoro – 4/10
There are real concerns over his ball-playing abilities, and he didn’t look comfortable up against Calvert-Lewin. A worrying display and clearly isn’t ready to be rivalling Martinez and Maguire for a starting berth.
Lisandro Martinez – 3/10
Saved United from conceding a third in the first half with a crucial goalline tackle. The Argentine’s night ended early, though, as he was sent off for a bizarre pull of Calvert-Lewin’s hair.
Luke Shaw – 6/10
Probably the best of a bad bunch at the back. Did relatively well from a defensive standpoint and his long balls over the top were effective.
Casemiro – 6/10
Probably one of his most dissapointing games of the season, caught in possession and looking lost at times. But he got himself on the scoresheet with an excellent header.
Manuel Ugarte – 2/10
Given the chance to prove he still has a future at United, he probably gave INEOS the final green light to sanction a sale. Everything he touched turned to rubbish and somehow Carrick kept him on even after Martinez’s red card.
Amad Diallo – 6/10
Was United’s best player in the first half and forced a solid save from Karl Darlow. The Ivorian’s energy and attacking intent, unfortunately, didn’t help raise the performances of those around him.
Bruno Fernandes – 6/10
Even when he’s not dominating proceedings, he makes an impact. What a beautiful ball to Casemiro, and he grew into the game in the second half.
Matheus Cunha – 5/10
A bit of a letdown given his displays under Carrick, and he made some poor decisions, particularly in the box. But the Brazilian was up for the fight despite not shining as he has since the turn of the year.
Benjamin Sesko – 5/10
Had his chances in front of goal but seemed a little rusty after such a long time off. The Slovenian striker tested Darlow a few times but couldn’t come up with one of his big moments.
Substitutes:
Bryan Mbeumo – 6/10
Fared well off the bench but isn’t enjoying his best period since joining United. The Cameroonian might need to find his shooting boots again after starting on the bench.
Diogo Dalot – 5/10
Much better than Mazraoui but that’s not saying much.
Manager:
Michael Carrick – Rating –
