United have made their worst-ever start to a Premier League season

Manchester United's start to the season has been disastrous, culminating in a 4-1 defeat to Como that left head coach Michael Carrick feeling "angry". This loss marked the club's worst-ever beginning to a Premier League campaign, extending their winless streak to seven matches across all competitions. The defeat has also exposed fractures within the squad, with club captain Bruno Fernandes openly criticising the tactical approach.

The issues within United appear to have roots in the summer transfer window. Despite spending £163m, the club's outlay was less than that of promoted teams Hull City and Ipswich Town. Key areas such as left-back and centre-forward were not adequately addressed, leaving Carrick without the necessary reinforcements to compete effectively in both the Premier League and Champions League this season.

Fitness levels have emerged as another significant concern for United. The demands of the World Cup have taken a toll, and reports suggest that pre-season training was lighter than expected. The team has struggled with intensity, being outperformed in running metrics in six of their seven league matches, which Carrick acknowledged as a critical issue for their performance.

Fernandes' individual form has also declined sharply, contributing to United's attacking woes. With only one goal involvement in his last nine games, he has failed to replicate his previous season's success. The team's overall attacking statistics reveal a lack of potency, as they rank poorly for expected goals per shot despite having the highest number of attempts this season.

As United prepare to face Bournemouth, they may welcome back several key players, including Yoro, Martinez, and Heaven. Fernandes emphasised the need for a mental shift to overcome their current struggles, highlighting the importance of starting strong and maintaining composure throughout matches. With a challenging road ahead, Carrick's side must find a way to regain their form and confidence to turn their season around.

via Sky Sports