Man United’s poor run deepens as Leeds draw piles pressure on Carrick

Manchester United’s troubled start to the 2026/27 season continued on Sunday after a frustrating 1-1 draw against Leeds United at Elland Road extended their winless run to six matches in all competitions and intensified pressure on manager Michael Carrick.

The Red Devils travelled to their bitter rivals seeking a much-needed victory after recording just two wins in nine matches across all competitions this season.

However, United failed to convert their first-half advantage into three points, leaving the 20-time English champions 13th in the Premier League table, three points behind seventh-placed Leeds.

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The latest setback adds to the growing scrutiny surrounding Carrick, who is enduring a difficult first full season in charge at Old Trafford.

Tensions at the club escalated in midweek following a 2-0 Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid, when defender Lisandro Martinez criticised the United hierarchy over what he described as an under-strength squad following an underwhelming summer transfer window.

Carrick insisted on Friday that the club had moved on from the controversy, and Martinez was named in the starting line-up against Leeds before being substituted at half-time.

Despite a feisty opening, clear-cut chances were limited until the 26th minute, when United goalkeeper Senne Lammens produced an impressive save to deny Nico Elvedi’s header.

Bryan Mbeumo missed a headed opportunity moments later but made amends in the 35th minute, finishing Youri Tielemans’ low cross into the bottom corner to give United the lead.

The visitors appeared poised to take control, but Leeds responded strongly after the interval.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin equalised in the 51st minute, controlling the ball on his chest before finishing at full stretch after Tarik Muharemovic’s header from a corner created the opportunity.

Leeds subsequently dominated much of the contest, restricting United largely to counter-attacks as the home side pushed for a winner.

Carrick introduced Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha in an attempt to change the outcome, but neither side could find a decisive breakthrough.

The draw extended United’s winless sequence to six matches in all competitions, their longest such run since the end of the 2018/19 campaign.

The result offers little relief for Carrick amid mounting questions over his team’s performances, consistency and ability to compete for a higher league position.

Leeds, meanwhile, maintained their impressive home form, remaining unbeaten at Elland Road in all competitions since March and strengthening their position in seventh place.

With United languishing in 13th, Carrick faces more pressure to salvage the decline and deliver the results needed to restore confidence at Old Trafford.