Man Utd manager Michael Carrick endured a chastening start to the new season
Manchester United’s start to the new season has been branded a ‘nightmare’ by former striker Dwight Yorke, who has warned Michael Carrick that the pressure is already mounting after a shock opening-day defeat by Hull City.
United had headed into the campaign with optimism after securing a return to the Champions League last season, but Yorke believes the early signs are deeply concerning.
The former United striker has also questioned whether Harry Maguire remains good enough to help the club challenge for major honours, arguing that the veteran defender’s experience is no longer enough to compensate for his lack of mobility.
Dwight Yorke’s Man Utd verdict
“It’s a nightmare start to the season for Man Utd,” Yorke told Reviant.
“I think we came into the season very optimistic on the back of what we consider a very good season in the end last time out and getting back into the Champions League.
“We got a very favorable opening game in Hull, history shows that United tend to take care of business, and yet after one game we are pretty much on the back foot.
“There’s a lot of negative comments around the place instantly and I’m sure Michael Carrick as a manager, the players, and the fans would not have expected this, certainly based on the back of last season. It’s early stages of course but it’s concerning that we’re not defending set pieces and we’re not pressing high enough, very simple things to do that should’ve been ironed out in pre-season.
“When you play these lesser teams, it’s like it’s a cup final for these guys and if you’re not matching them for pressing and desire then you won’t be able to show that you’re the superior team.
“Hull got it right and it’s far from ideal for Carrick and his players, they need to show that teams can’t get a free ride against them anymore and Hull were able to do that.”
The 54-year-old Trinidadian also delivered a stark assessment of Harry Maguire’s future at Old Trafford, insisting United should consider freshening up their defence if they are serious about competing for the Premier League and major trophies.
Yorke added: “Harry Maguire over the years has been a really good servant to the club, but in my opinion, United should look to freshen things up in that area
“He’s done incredibly well and deserves credit for that. But if United want to push on and compete with the best players, we all know that as a defender, you cannot be as immobile or as slow as he has become.
“He was never the most mobile, to begin with, and his experience has been vital. I don’t think that is enough anymore,” he said. “I think it was a different factor playing against United before, where the team used to dominate the ball so the defenders didn’t have to do as much.
“But now, when you’re asking defenders to do a great deal to defend one-on-one, I don’t think Harry Maguire is the ideal candidate. That’s just my opinion.”
