Manchester United often hark back to Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign. They are less keen on revisiting the period immediately before it. When Dominic Solanke equalised for Tottenham on Saturday, however, they were, if only statistically, transported back to the dog days of Ron Atkinson’s tenure. With six points from six games, United have made their worst start to a league campaign since 1986-87.
That does not automatically mean that Michael Carrick, like Atkinson, is destined for the sack. United’s recent history suggests that their chances of unearthing another Ferguson to replace him would be slight, anyway. But United’s start is worrying, in plenty of ways.
