# Manchester United's Elite Incompetence

> Manchester United's elite-level incompetence is the real problem, not Michael Carrick.
- Title: Manchester United's Elite Incompetence · the Guardian
- Summary: Manchester United's elite-level incompetence is the real problem, not Michael Carrick. Manchester United's poor performance stems from systemic issues, not…
- Keywords: manchester united, michael carrick, premier league, omar berrada, leeds united, lisa martinez, noussair mazraoui, harry maguire, erik ten hag, ralf rangnick, sports, Manchester
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/18/manchester-united-michael-carrick-omar-berrada-leeds-premier-league
- Published: 2026-10-18T19:56:30+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: manchester united, michael carrick, premier league, omar berrada, leeds united, lisa martinez, noussair mazraoui, harry maguire, erik ten hag, ralf rangnick, sports
## Manchester United's League Position
Manchester United finished 13th in the Premier League after a 1-1 draw with Leeds.
## Michael Carrick's Appointment
Michael Carrick was appointed head coach after previous managers were fired.
## Omar Berrada's Role
Omar Berrada, Manchester United's chief executive, hired Carrick and faces criticism for club management.
## Carrick's Performance
Carrick appeared drained during the second half of the match against Leeds.
## Leeds' Tactical Advantage
Leeds created multiple scoring opportunities and won the second half of the match.
## Player Injuries
Lisandro Martínez went off injured during the first half of the match.
## Defensive Weaknesses
Manchester United's defense had three players out of position during the second half.
## Harry Maguire's Role
Harry Maguire, signed under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, is slow and ineffective in defense.
## Managerial Ineffectiveness
Manchester United's management has failed to address key issues despite multiple changes.
## Omar Berrada's Involvement
Omar Berrada, Manchester United's chief executive, is criticized for poor decision-making.
## Upcoming Challenges
Manchester United faces tough matches against Bournemouth, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Liverpool.
## Systemic Issues
Manchester United's management has systemic issues that require long-term solutions.
## Key takeaway

Manchester United's poor performance stems from systemic issues, not Michael Carrick's coaching.