Manchester United crisis deepens as Carrick faces Leeds test

Manchester United travel to historic rivals Leeds on Sunday with the pressure of the Manchester United crisis mounting on manager Michael Carrick, while Manchester City aim to stretch their perfect Premier League start despite the cloud of their financial-rules case. It is a weekend that could define the seasons of both Manchester clubs — for very different reasons.

The Manchester United crisis has reached a grim milestone: the club is off to its worst league start in 40 years. United have won just one of their opening six league games and were dumped out of the League Cup by Brighton last month. The mood darkened further this week when defender Lisandro Martinez publicly attacked the club’s hierarchy over a lack of investment in the squad after Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid.

How the Manchester United crisis unfolded this week

The Argentine took aim at technical director Jason Wilcox, arguing the Red Devils had only added three midfielders during the transfer window. The irony was not lost on observers: Martinez himself has been among the most culpable for the goals conceded to Fulham and Tottenham in recent weeks.

Geo Super has since reported that Martinez has apologised for his criticism of the hierarchy — a climbdown that underlines how quickly the situation is moving at Old Trafford. It is the latest episode in a season of turmoil that has already seen Roy Keane liken the club to a circus.

Carrick, who took the job after a turbulent period, is increasingly at risk of becoming the latest manager unable to reverse the sharp decline since Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013. Leeds last beat the Red Devils at Elland Road back in 2002, but they did inflict the only home defeat of Carrick’s interim spell when the sides met in April.

“What a great game (on) Sunday to prepare for. It’s a fantastic game for us, for the club, for the history, for the supporters,” Carrick said. “Everything to do with the game is a great game so we’ll be ready for that.”

City case leaves the league in limbo

Across the city, the picture is very different on the pitch — and deeply uncertain off it. Manchester City sit top of the table with six wins from six, but it may all count for nothing if they fail to overturn a guilty verdict on more than 100 charges of breaking Premier League rules. City deny any wrongdoing; the case began eight years ago and has at least a few months left before the appeal is heard and any sanction announced.

Enzo Maresca’s men shut out the distraction to win 3-0 at Liverpool last weekend, though they lost 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain in a thrilling Champions League tie on Tuesday — a result we covered earlier this week. “My underlying thought is none of this is good for football and there are no winners,” former England manager Gareth Southgate said. City can stretch their lead at the top to six points when Ipswich visit the Etihad on Saturday.

Brighton could be the big winners if City suffer severe sanctions. The Seagulls sit just two points behind second-placed Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s grudge match against Crystal Palace. Arsenal’s only defeat this season came in a 3-0 trouncing by Brighton, whose rise continues despite routinely selling their best players. Arsenal themselves needed a comeback to beat Leeds earlier in the campaign.

When do Manchester United play Leeds?

United visit Elland Road on Sunday, with all three Sunday fixtures kicking off at 1300 GMT. Brighton face Crystal Palace and Bournemouth host Sunderland at the same time.

What is the latest on Manchester City’s case?

City were found guilty on more than 100 charges of breaking Premier League financial rules, but they deny wrongdoing and have lodged an appeal. The appeal process still has months to run, leaving the whole league in limbo over possible sanctions.

Who could benefit if City are punished?

Brighton, currently two points behind Arsenal in second, are best placed to capitalise. Their smart recruitment has kept them thriving despite selling star players every season.

*Source: The Express Tribune (AFP)*