Part of coach Michael Carrick's appeal at Manchester United lies in his calm and gentle demeanor. This is a quality that has followed him since he played - a player who rarely causes controversy. Therefore, Carrick is considered an ideal counterweight to Ruben Amorim, who is famous for his strong statements.
However, that image suddenly changed when Carrick became one of the most harsh critics of the referee recently. After Man United sent a complaint to PGMOL about the decisions in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, he continued to react fiercely to Lisandro Martinez's red card in the 1-2 defeat to Leeds United.
Carrick called it one of the worst decisions he had ever seen, arguing that the hair-snatching situation with Dominic Calvert-Lewin did not deserve to be sent off. He also opposed Noah Okafor's opening goal, arguing that Calvert-Lewin had previously fouled Leny Yoro with a forehand.
These reactions partly evoke the influence of Sir Alex Ferguson - a master of media pressure. However, Martinez's ability to appeal for a red card is not high, as there has been precedent for similar situations.
However, blaming the referee cannot cover up Man United's poor performance. The red team played below par in the first half against Leeds, and Carrick himself could not give a convincing explanation, except to affirm that the 24-day break was not the cause.
To date, positive results help Carrick maintain the image of an encouraging coach. Especially in the context that the player is under pressure from a series of erratic forms and the harsh statements of Amorim and former legends in the media before that. However, the defeat to Leeds has exposed many problems.
Man United is probably not as bad as the late Amorim era, but not as good as the first 10 matches under Carrick. His personnel decisions are beginning to be questioned, especially the replacement of Diogo Dalot with Noussair Mazraoui, who did not leave a mark.
The "Red Devils" problem at this time is not only short-term in defense, but also systematic in midfield. Martinez will be suspended in the away match to Chelsea, Harry Maguire is also at risk of being absent, while Yoro plays unstably and Matthijs de Ligt has not yet returned.
M.U's defense is constantly put in a state of alarm due to lack of protection from midfield. Casemiro still shows class with a goal and almost scored a double, but physical limitations and mobility are undeniable. Besides, his future at Old Trafford is almost closed.
Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte became a worrying weakness. Statistics show that he started 10 matches but the team only won 1, conceding 25 goals after more than 1000 minutes of play - an alarming number for a defensive midfielder. However, Carrick still spoke out to defend his student.
Clearly, a midfield reform is mandatory. When Casemiro leaves and Bruno Fernandes returns to the number 10 role, Man United needs at least two, even three new midfielders to rebuild the system. This also poses a problem about the future of expensive contracts that have not met expectations.
In the past period, Carrick benefited from a light schedule - only 11 matches in 13 weeks - allowing him to maintain a stable squad with Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro or Maguire. However, this advantage will no longer exist when Man United returns with a dense schedule next season.
Not participating in European cups helps them reduce the burden by about 20 matches compared to competitors - a significant advantage. But the context will completely change in the new season, along with greater pressure on Carrick, if he continues to hold the position.
At the present time, despite the controversy about referees, the core issue of Man United is still in themselves. And a realist like Carrick certainly understands that.
