Manchester United have collected only four points from their first four Premier League matches in 2026/27, leaving Michael Carrick’s side 13th before the September international break. A 2-2 draw at Everton exposed late defensive fragility, while Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City produced an even harsher criticism: United had a numerical advantage for almost 70 minutes yet created little. The Champions League has started brightly with a 4-0 win over Sabah, but the league remains the real test, and three players in particular need to change the rhythm of Carrick’s side.
1. Can Marcus Rashford become the direct outlet United need?
Manchester United need Marcus Rashford to attack space with conviction again, because Carrick cannot build a threatening front line if his senior wide attacker spends long spells receiving the ball with his back to goal or waiting for support. Rashford started at Everton and looked lively before leaving in the 70th minute after feeling a physical issue; Carrick later described his performance positively. Against City, however, United rarely turned possession into dangerous running behind the defence, and Rashford came off as the hosts struggled to create clear openings.
That contrast matters. Rashford does not need to touch the ball constantly. He needs to make defenders retreat. One sharp burst can open a lane for Matheus Cunha, release Bryan Mbeumo inside, or create room for Benjamin Šeško to attack the box. United’s best attacking spells should therefore include more early passes into Rashford’s path instead of recycling possession across the back line.
What should change tactically? Carrick can start with Rashford wider, ask him to run beyond the full-back earlier, and give him permission to attack the outside shoulder rather than repeatedly coming short. When the opposite winger drifts inside, Rashford can stretch the back line and create the one-versus-one situations that once made him so dangerous.
He needs goals, too. Šeško has already scored against Everton and Sabah after returning from injury, while Cunha has scored in Europe, so United have attacking options. Rashford still carries a different responsibility because opponents know his acceleration and finishing can turn an ordinary transition into a chance within seconds. If he starts taking those moments again, Carrick’s attack gains a much sharper edge.
2. Could Matthijs de Ligt restore order behind an aggressive press?
Manchester United have needed a settled centre-back partnership, and Matthijs de Ligt could give Carrick an option with the passing range, positioning and physical authority to defend higher up the pitch. His absence has lasted for months because of a back problem, and Carrick said on September 9 that De Ligt had trained well but still needed careful management before returning.
That timing makes this tactical change slightly different from Rashford’s. De Ligt cannot simply step back into the XI and solve every issue. United must decide how far the defensive line can push, which full-back can advance, and who covers the space behind the press. Still, his return should allow Carrick to defend with more confidence if De Ligt regains his best level.
Against Everton, United twice took the lead and still conceded a 96th-minute equaliser, while the derby defeat exposed another problem: City found space after United failed to make their numerical advantage count. A centre-back who reads danger early can shorten those gaps. De Ligt must therefore step out decisively, win first contact, and play forward quickly after regaining possession.
The most useful version of De Ligt would allow United’s midfield to hold a higher position without constantly fearing the ball over the top. That can improve pressing distances, keep attacks in the opponent’s half and reduce the long recovery runs that have left United vulnerable. The Dutchman also needs calm distribution. A crisp pass into Bruno Fernandes or Kobbie Mainoo can beat the first wave and send United running at an unsettled defence.
His first task, though, involves availability. Carrick has stressed patience because De Ligt spent a long period out. When he finally returns, United need a defender who can grow into full intensity rather than one who rushes the process and disappears again.
3. Can Joshua Zirkzee turn depth into a tactical weapon?
Joshua Zirkzee faces a different challenge because he must force his way into a forward group that now includes Cunha, Mbeumo and Šeško. He came on against Sabah in the 64th minute for Šeško and played a part in the fourth goal, supplying a back-heel that helped create Lisandro Martínez’s finish. Those minutes offered a glimpse of the link play Carrick could use more often.
Zirkzee’s value does not depend on copying Šeško. Their games differ. Šeško gives United height, pace and a strong threat beyond the defensive line, whereas Zirkzee can drop into pockets, combine with midfielders and connect attacks through short passing. Carrick should use that contrast rather than treat Zirkzee as a reserve version of the main striker.
The tactical adjustment could involve bringing Zirkzee closer to Fernandes during controlled attacks, with one winger maintaining width and the other moving into the box. That would create a three-man connection between midfield, Zirkzee and the wide forwards, giving United more routes through a compact defence. Against teams that sit deep, his ability to receive between the lines could become especially useful.
His biggest test will come with Champions League rotation. United cannot ask the same front three to play every three or four days, and fringe players will get chances whether Carrick plans them or not. Zirkzee has to make those appearances feel like selection arguments, not merely squad management.
For United, the next phase demands more than a reaction to one bad derby. Rashford must threaten space, De Ligt must stabilise the defensive platform, and Zirkzee must give the attack another way to combine. Carrick has already seen what happens when his side dominates possession without enough bite. With only four Premier League points on the board, Manchester United cannot afford three talented players remaining half a step below the level their roles demand.
