It’s fair to say that it was an underwhelming spectacle at Old Trafford on Monday evening.
After a 24-day wait to see their team in action, the sense of anticipation amongst the home support was soon replaced by a feeling of dejection, as old foes Leeds emerged victorious.
In truth, Manchester United were flat from the outset. They looked rusty and lacked cohesion, likely due to their long layoff, having not played a game since the draw at Bournemouth.
But the Reds came into the match on a stellar run under interim head coach Michael Carrick.
With seven wins, two draws, and just a solitary defeat from his first 10 games at the helm, the Wallsend native remains in a strong position for consideration as the next permanent appointment.
Of course, last night’s result was a blow, but despite the disappointment, it should not significantly alter the United hierarchy’s decision-making process.
Furthermore, I don’t believe it is a time for the supporter base to overreact and jump into delivering knee-jerk statements because of what is likely just a bad night at the office.
Perspective is required after a difficult evening for Michael Carrick and Manchester United
Undoubtedly, the hosts were awful in the opening 45 minutes against their Yorkshire opponents; they were caught cold and looked well off the pace.
However, some mitigating circumstances could explain this meek display.
As already mentioned, the break between games was obviously a significant factor; they just looked sluggish and out of practice.
Kobbie Mainoo’s absence due to a minor knock was also a big loss, given that his replacement in the side, Manuel Ugarte, doesn’t really offer the same creative spark.
Harry Maguire’s suspension was keenly felt, too, as Leeds bullied the United defence in the first half in particular.
Additionally, Lisandro Martinez’s controversial sending off compounded matters, making an uphill task appear almost impossible.
That said, the Reds very nearly staged an unlikely comeback after Casemiro converted a header following a brilliant Bruno Fernandes delivery.
Carrick will hope his troops can react positively as they did when bouncing back from their only other defeat during his reign, a last-gasp 2-1 reversal at Newcastle on March 4.
On that occasion, the 20-time English champions banished any lingering doubts with a commanding victory over top-four rivals Aston Villa.
Make no mistake, they will need to show similar resolve against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening in what could be a defining game in the pursuit of Champions League football.
United’s response will tell a lot, but Carrick has shown himself to be talented in his own right and merits a place in the frame when the top candidates are chosen.
In the same token, the club should also sound out other potential managerial contenders as part of contingency planning.
The likes of Julian Nagelsmann are exciting, and Andoni Iraola, who will be departing Bournemouth after doing a superb job at the Vitality Stadium, could be an alternative name on United’s radar.
Still, one element of luck that may go in Carrick’s favour is the fact that many experienced, top-class managers are already out of the running.
Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti have now committed their immediate futures to international football. Meanwhile, the much-sought-after Luis Enrique is expected to remain at Paris Saint-Germain.
This process is, of course, a matter for the Old Trafford decision makers and something that won’t really kick into overdrive until the end of the campaign at the earliest.
But Carrick should absolutely be on that shortlist after such an impressive body of work up until this point, and last night’s game should not change that.
Would you like to see Manchester United retain the interim management team for next season, or are you in favour of a new face?
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