Carrick says clean sheets are key to Manchester United revival

Manchester United have kept only one clean sheet in 10 matches this season, and head coach Michael Carrick says improving that record is key to turning their campaign around as they prepare to face Como in the Champions League.

“There are definitely parts of our game we have to improve to make things easier. I am fully aware of that,” Carrick said before Wednesday’s match. United’s only shutout so far came against Azerbaijan’s Sabah FK last month. [1]

The defensive record has been a problem beyond this season. United kept six clean sheets in Carrick’s 17 matches in charge last term; before his appointment, they managed two in the campaign under Ruben Amorim, and nine across 63 games with Amorim in charge. [1]

Carrick has also struggled to settle on a back four. Only once this season has he named the same four in consecutive matches. Injuries and suspension have further limited his options: Lisandro Martínez missed the trip to Italy with a thigh injury, Leny Yoro was suspended, and Luke Shaw was still unfit. Carrick said Shaw could be out longer than Kobbie Mainoo, who was expected to miss 10 days. [1]

The left-back position has been particularly unsettled. Diogo Dalot became United’s fifth different starter there in six games against Leeds, with Shaw the only one of the five who was a natural left-back, according to BBC Sport. Carrick said 19-year-old Harry Amass was “right in contention”, adding that young players needed the right opportunity. [1]

Carrick described the summer transfer window as one in which the club “did what we could do and made the best of it”. He was speaking alongside Andrey Santos, the midfielder United signed from Chelsea for £50m, as criticism continued over the lack of competition for Shaw. [1]