After the false start and the worst start, Michael Carrick pronounced it a fresh start. Manchester United have their fewest wins in their opening seven league games of a campaign for 40 years – just the one – and have not tasted victory in six matches in all competitions. Their manager nevertheless emerged from consecutive away games that brought defeat to Atletico Madrid and a draw at Leeds appearing more upbeat about their prospects.
“I understand the situation doesn’t look too good if you look at it from a certain way, but I got no doubts that we can go on a good run,” he said. That certain way could involve referencing results or the league table; seven games in, the club who finished third last season are already nine points adrift of the top three.
