Michael Carrick admits Manchester United crisis ‘doesn’t look great’ after worst start in 40 years

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has admitted the club's current situation "doesn't look great" after Sunday's 1-1 draw against Leeds United extended their winless run to six matches.

United have collected just seven points from their opening seven Premier League fixtures, their worst start to a league campaign since 1986.

Despite mounting pressure following another disappointing result, Carrick remains convinced his squad can turn the season around.

Bryan Mbeumo gave United the lead at Elland Road, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin equalised six minutes after half-time following a corner.

The result leaves Carrick's side in the bottom half of the Premier League, without a domestic victory since August.

Speaking after the match, Carrick acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.

"We are not accepting that everything's great, but sometimes you do struggle and you have to find a way through it," he said.

"I understand the situation doesn't look great but I have no doubts we can go on a good run."

United have also won just once in their last seven matches across all competitions, with their recent Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid adding to the pressure.

Nevertheless, Carrick insisted there is enough quality within the squad to recover.

"I am encouraged by a lot of things and I think we can still have a really good season."

Carrick believes the squad showed greater commitment against Leeds following a difficult week that included public criticism of the club's summer recruitment from defender Lisandro Martinez.

"It felt like a fresh start today, accepting it and doing something about it," Carrick explained.

"There was definitely that commitment, it had to be there today."

The United manager also highlighted the demanding atmosphere at Elland Road and praised his players' willingness to compete.

However, he acknowledged that improved performances must now translate into victories.

"But we are not getting too carried away because we didn't win, but if you keep doing the right things for the right reasons, you get what you deserve in the end."

Manchester United travel to Italy to face Como in the Champions League on Wednesday.

After losing to Atletico Madrid in their previous European outing, Carrick will be desperate for a positive result to rebuild confidence and ease the pressure surrounding Old Trafford.