Mbeumo gives Carrick a bright spot as Manchester United go six without a win

Manchester United’s winless run has reached six matches after a 1-1 draw with Leeds, with Bryan Mbeumo’s goal offering Michael Carrick a rare bright spot in a difficult season.

Mbeumo has scored four times in seven Premier League games. Apart from Bruno Fernandes, whose hat-trick came against Ipswich in August, no other player in Carrick’s squad has scored more than once, BBC Sport reports. United have won two of their 10 games in all competitions this season. [1]

The draw leaves United 13th in the Premier League table, with the possibility of dropping further before the round is complete. It is their worst run without a win since 2018-19. Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports that the reaction to United avoiding defeat at Leeds risked lowering expectations: “We shouldn’t really be talking about Manchester United like that.” [1]

Carrick described the match as “a bit of a fresh start”, while acknowledging that the situation was not “great”. He said the side needed to remain stable through a difficult period and that he had “no doubts” they could put together a good run. [1]

Mbeumo’s contribution has been especially valuable with striker Benjamin Sesko sidelined by a shin injury. The Cameroon forward has moved between the right wing, centre-forward and, against Leeds, the left, adapting as other players returned from injury or the team’s needs changed. Carrick praised his willingness to defend and attack wherever required. [1]

United also face uncertainty in defence: Lisandro Martinez went off at half-time with a thigh injury, while Luke Shaw’s fitness for Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Como remains unclear. [1]