If you are a Manchester United fan, this season thus far has been drab, at best.

They sit in 12th after five games played, with their solitary win coming against newly promoted Ipswich.

Saturday’s game against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford marks the start of a defining week for Carrick and his contingent, albeit early in the season, with tricky tests against Atlético Madrid and Leeds to follow.

Cast your minds to 19 October 2022, Erik ten Hag’s first season. This very same fixture.

Coming into the game, United’s form was indifferent, and they needed a statement win and performance to light the red touch paper 

They had plenty, with United running away to a 2-0 win, a scoreline that arguably flattered Tottenham. Fred and Bruno Fernandes scored that evening.

Intensity was the key to winning that game. They suffocated Spurs with a collective swarm, and Tottenham had no answer; United’s aggression and ability to sustain pressure left Spurs with no chance to settle into the game.

United need to show intent to produce a similar blueprint. That same intensity will be vital on Saturday, with Tottenham still searching for consistency under Roberto De Zerbi. United need to be aggressive from the first whistle and make Old Trafford uncomfortable for the visitors.

United’s biggest problem has been turning chances into goals. They have registered 113 shots in their opening five league games, the most in the Premier League, but have converted just 7.1 percent. That lack of ruthlessness cannot continue. Creating chances has not been the issue; making them count has.

Midfield will also be crucial. United have shown vulnerability when they lose possession, particularly in the space between midfield and defence. Spurs will look to exploit that area, so Carrick’s midfield must remain disciplined and increase their aggression.

Carlos Baleba could provide that, with his ability to win the ball and drive forward offering the aggressive presence and ball-carrying ability United have lacked.

United could also look to target Tottenham’s right side, with Pedro Porro expected to miss out. Whether through Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw or Bryan Mbeumo drifting across, United need to identify that weakness and exploit it

Getting their most dangerous attackers into those areas could give Spurs a problem they have struggled to solve this season.

For Carrick, this is about more than simply getting three points. United need a performance that can change the mood around Old Trafford and provide evidence that the tide can be turned going into a difficult week.