Manchester United Record Worst League Start Since 1986 Under Michael Carrick

Manchester United extended a winless run to six games following a 1-1 draw at Leeds United on Sunday.

Manchester United recorded their worst start to a league season since 1986 following a 1-1 draw at Leeds United on Sunday. The result at Elland Road extended the club's winless run in all competitions to six games. United currently sit closer to the Premier League relegation zone than the top four and exited the Carabao Cup in the first round last month.

Manager Michael Carrick, who previously guided the team to Champions League qualification as an interim, described the Leeds result as a "fresh start" ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League fixture against Serie A side Como. However, the club has dismissed two managers in the last two seasons, firing Erik ten Hag in October 2024 and Ruben Amorim in January 2026.

Potential candidates to replace the 45-year-old include unattached managers Eddie Howe and Antonio Conte. Howe recently stepped down from Newcastle United in August after winning the 2025 Carabao Cup, while Conte is available after leaving Napoli this summer. Other names on the radar include former Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna and current Brighton & Hove Albion coach Fabian Hürzeler, who recently led his side to a 3-0 victory against Arsenal. Julian Nagelsmann and England manager Thomas Tuchel are also cited as potential options, though Tuchel remains under contract through Euro 2028.