Bruno Fernandes form leaves Michael Carrick with a Manchester United problem

Manchester United have reached the first international break with more questions than answers after an encouraging end to last season failed to carry into the new campaign.

Michael Carrick’s side have already been eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Brighton and have now gone three Premier League matches without a victory following their 1-1 draw at Fulham.

Among several concerns, Bruno Fernandes’ start stands out. United have relied heavily on their captain for creativity and goals, but his numbers do not tell the full story.

Four goals and one assist from seven appearances looks like another productive return from Fernandes.

The problem is where those contributions have come. Every goal and assist was recorded against newly promoted Ipswich Town or Azerbaijani champions Sabah.

United have consequently struggled to get enough from their captain when facing stronger Premier League opposition.

That matters because Fernandes remains such an influential part of Carrick’s attack. With Benjamin Sesko recently suffering another injury and Marcus Rashford yet to rediscover his Barcelona form, United need their captain producing consistently.

Rashford has started four of United’s first five league games without registering a goal or assist and has now withdrawn from England duty after suffering a hip problem against Fulham.

There have been positives. Matheus Cunha has shown promise, Kobbie Mainoo has impressed and Senne Lammens has generally performed well in goal.

However, United’s summer midfield rebuild has yet to produce the expected improvement.

Andrey Santos has struggled for opportunities after his expensive arrival, with Carrick preferring Mainoo alongside Youri Tielemans. Carlos Baleba, meanwhile, has yet to make his competitive debut after arriving with an ankle ligament injury.

Carrick also has questions to answer further forward.

Cunha has regularly operated centrally with Bryan Mbeumo wider, but United's attack has lacked consistency. The late equaliser at Fulham prevented another defeat, yet the failure to turn 17 first-half attempts into a goal illustrated their problems in front of goal.

The international break therefore arrives at an important moment. United need more from several players, but finding a way to restore Fernandes’ influence could be particularly important to Carrick’s attempt to get their season moving again.

The international break gives Carrick an opportunity to reassess a side that has struggled to build momentum during the opening weeks.

Finding a more productive attacking structure around Fernandes will be particularly important when United return, especially with injuries currently limiting Carrick’s options.