# United’s eight-match winless run exposes a reliance on luck under Carrick

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/damning-data-stats-that-show-michael-carricks-luck-was-bound-to-run-out-andrew-beasley/
- Published: 2026-10-26T18:50:43+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-26T19:12:22+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/26/damning-data-michael-carrick-manchester-united-head-coach
- Topics: Entertainment, Football, Geopolitics, Politics, Sport, TV

## Key points

- United’s recent poor run has put Carrick’s position at risk.
- Last season’s results exceeded expected points by 12.7.
- Possession and shot volume have not translated into goals.

## Summary

Manchester United have been third in the Premier League by points during Michael Carrick’s time as head coach, but their recent collapse has put his job in danger. The article argues that last season’s strong finish depended heavily on favourable results and that underlying weaknesses, as well as a downturn in luck, help explain the current slump.

United have gone eight games in all competitions without a win and sit 16th, despite an expected league position of 10th. They earned 12.7 more points than expected during Carrick’s 17-match interim spell last season, while this season they are 3.8 points below expectation. Their narrow wins often came despite limited chances, and this season they have struggled to score while dominating possession; they also rank among the league’s lowest for expected goals per shot and distance covered.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.