Paul Merson warns Michael Carrick faces pressure over Atlético and Leeds trips

Paul Merson says Michael Carrick is “in trouble over the next two games” as Manchester United take a five-match winless-in-six run into away fixtures against Atlético Madrid and Leeds United. The Sky Sports columnist’s warning is about the pressure on Carrick, not an announcement that United have decided to change manager.

United’s latest setback was a 1-1 draw with 10-man Tottenham. Dominic Solanke scored a late equaliser to deny United the win, extending a spell in which they have failed to win five of their last six matches in all competitions.

“After Saturday’s game, I’d be more worried if you’re a Man Utd fan,” Merson wrote. He added: “I haven’t seen any signs with Man Utd at the moment.” Merson said he hoped Carrick would not be sacked, but called the coming fixtures a “nightmare week” and said he could not think of two worse games for the coach to face.

The first test is Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Atlético. Merson described the Spanish side as difficult to beat. United then travel to Leeds, whose unbeaten record was ended by reigning champions Arsenal on Saturday.

Merson called the Leeds match a major rivalry and said Leeds supporters would be shocked if United won at Elland Road. He argued that the expectation around the fixture reflects how far United’s position has shifted. That is a sharp contrast with last season, when, Merson said, Carrick earned calls for the permanent job after getting United into the Champions League.

The question Merson says he wanted answered was how Carrick would respond when results turned. He asked what the coach would do differently after three or four games without a win, and argued that Carrick is not finding the ideas to pull United out of the slump. His criticism is about the team’s response to poor results, rather than a reported decision from the club.

Merson also raised other managerial possibilities, saying United should have pursued Unai Emery because of his experience. He suggested Eddie Howe was probably the candidate United would turn to, while saying Antonio Conte could steady the team but questioning whether Conte would provide the style the owners want.

For now, the immediate test is on the pitch: Atlético away, followed by Leeds away. Merson’s comments put a spotlight on Carrick’s response to the run of results, but do not indicate that United have announced a change of manager.