Michael Carrick has no reason to complain – the cards have been stacked in Man United’s favour

Part of Michael Carrick’s appeal to Manchester United lay in his ability to be measured and mild-mannered. It was a trait he displayed in his playing days; he was the least likely member of the squad to say anything controversial. No wonder Carrick felt the ideal antidote to Ruben Amorim, who was just too quotable for his own good.

So Carrick has emerged as an unlikely outspoken critic of the officiating. Fresh from United’s complaint to PGMOL about the decisions in their 2-2 draw at Bournemouth came what he called “one of the worst decisions I have ever seen,” to dismiss Lisandro Martinez for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair in the 2-1 defeat to Leeds. Carrick also argued Noah Okafor’s opening goal should have been disallowed for a challenge by Calvert-Lewin on Leny Yoro; calling it a “forearm smash” which made it sound considerably more brutal than it was.

All of which may have served as a reminder that he spent seven years playing for the master of the deflection tactic, Sir Alex Ferguson. Carrick is considering appealing against Martinez’s red card; the appeal would surely fail, however.

Michael Carrick had plenty to ponder after defeat to Leeds (PA Wire)

Whether or not the Argentine intended to grab Calvert-Lewin’s locks, and while it was at the less violent end of the spectrum for violent conduct, there is now precedent for such sendings-off. It was Martinez’s first in a United shirt; while far worse misdemeanours predate Carrick’s appointment, the surprise is that he was not shown red quite some time ago.

If Carrick may not be receptive to the theory decisions even themselves out – eventually, in some cases – there is always a case of double standards when a manager is willing to scapegoat officials while sparing their players of blame. United were awful in the first half against Leeds. Carrick said their 24-day gap between games was no excuse, but did not even attempt a convincing explanation for their dismal start.

Perhaps the harsher words were delivered behind closed doors; so far, Carrick’s excellent results have allowed him to be an encouraging voice to players whose confidence was battered by a combination of defeats, Amorim’s more brutal comments and the former United footballers among the punditocracy.

It had been smooth sailing for Carrick until the defeat to Leeds (Reuters)

Carrick’s calm demeanour contrasted to ex-Man United boss Ruben Amorim (PA Wire)

Yet Leeds exposed faultlines; perhaps United are neither as bad as they looked under Amorim or as good as they appeared in their first 10 games under Carrick. His own decision-making, which had seemed flawless in his stellar start, could be questioned. Two of his four changes were enforced but dropping Diogo Dalot for Noussair Mazraoui, who struggled, looked an error.

And United have short-term issues at the heart of the defence, longer-term ones in the middle of the midfield. Martinez will be suspended for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea, Harry Maguire may be, Yoro was poor – and, notably, does not look to be part of Carrick’s preferred team – while Matthijs de Ligt is no nearer to returning from his back injury.

It scarcely helped the back four that they were afforded precious little protection as Leeds swarmed around and past them. Casemiro showed his extraordinary ability in the penalty area, scoring one goal, being denied another only by Calvert-Lewin’s clearance off the line. His immobility is no secret; it will not be United’s problem next season.

Casemiro scored again but is leaving Man United at the end of the season (AP)

But with Kobbie Mainoo sidelined, Manuel Ugarte started and extended his wretched record. He has begun 10 matches this season and United have only won one of them. He has played 1007 minutes in all competitions and United have conceded 25 times, an average of one every 40 minutes. A supposed defensive midfielder makes them worse at defending. After accusing the officials, Carrick defended Ugarte.

A midfield overhaul beckons. The sense has been that United require two additions, with Casemiro going and Bruno Fernandes returning to the No 10 role. Ugarte’s failings indicate that, even when Mainoo signs a new contract, they probably need three if they are to have a quality quartet. In turn, it also raises the question if they can sell a £50m signing for a reasonable fee.

Manuel Ugarte has proven to be an unlucky presence for United this term (Reuters)

United’s slender workload under Carrick, with just 11 games in 13 weeks had meant he had been able to use Mainoo and Casemiro as an ever-present pairing, just as the injury-prone 33-year-old Maguire started each of the first 10 matches. Continuity was an asset for Carrick. It was not an option for many of United’s peers.

And, while he has his gripes with the men in black, the context is that United have had a colossal advantage, forged in part by the incompetence of Amorim’s side last season. Without European football, they will play around 20 fewer games than their immediate rivals.

That will change next season, along with the task for Carrick, assuming he again occupies the dugout. The cards have been stacked in their favour, whatever they think of the occasional red brandished to their players. The realist in Carrick ought to recognise as much.