'Ominous feeling tight games that lean in Carrick's favour won't last'

Brentford were shut out. No more space in behind. The Bees resorted to relentless crosses, which were gobbled up by towering centre-half duo Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven.

However, Carrick's change hindered United just as much as it helped. All attacking threat evaporated in the second half, and it felt like the Red Devils were more focused on holding on than extending the advantage.

And when Brentford's pressure inevitably paid off late on, it set up a nervy finish.

That's where concerns about whether Carrick's style of play is sustainable creep in.

He has won nine matches out of 13 and overseen an unlikely return to Europe's premier competition. Yet, United are seldom convincing.

Don't get it twisted, this is not a great United team. It's a team featuring top-class individuals who get things done. But there are also many problems.

Can Carrick spark performances as well as results after the summer transfer window? Perhaps. He deserves the opportunity, should he want it.

But while there isn't much fortune in winning 69% of your matches, there is an ominous feeling that the tight games that lean in Carrick's favour won't last.

Where do you stand on Carrick? With Champions League football all but secured, is he the man to take United forward next season? If not, why not - and who is?

Get in touch with your views here

[BBC]

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