Manchester United had a three-week international break to regroup and address their disappointing start to the campaign, but their return to action did little to inspire confidence after being held to a 1-1 draw by Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table before kick-off, Spurs started on the front foot and gave United plenty of problems. Had they been more clinical in front of goal, the visitors could easily have taken a one- or two-goal lead before the interval.

The result means Manchester United have recorded their worst start to a league season in 40 years, with the side picking up just six points from their opening six games, including one win, three draws, and two losses.

Michael Carrick must now shift his attention to a difficult European challenge, as Manchester United travel to Spain on the 13th to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Diego Simeone's side have enjoyed an impressive domestic campaign, sitting second in La Liga and suffering just one defeat, including a notable 2-1 win over Real Madrid.

Manchester United's packed October schedule continues after the Atletico fixture, as Michael Carrick's side will travel to Elland Road on the 18th to face Leeds United, who are coming off a very promising away performance at Arsenal, despite leaving London with nothing.

Before Daniel Farke's side's 2-1 loss to Arsenal, the Whites had conceded just three league goals, were unbeaten going into the game, and went toe-to-toe with the current Premier League champions, a stark contrast to Manchester United's terrible performance against Spurs.

Speaking on Sky Sports Premier League after his former side's disappointing home result against Spurs, Gary Neville urged them to pull themselves together ahead of two difficult back-to-back away trips.

"The rest of them are going to have to get a grip because they're going into Diego Simeone's Atletico, and they're going to Elland Road.

"And if you're not right there from a mental and physical perspective, you're going to get found out."

Perhaps the most glaring problem Manchester United faced against Spurs was the away side's absolute dominance in the middle of the park, as Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans were completely overrun.

The pair had limited options to pass to, were regularly dispossessed by the Spurs midfield, and would have benefited from some extra protection. Carlos Baleba made a big difference when he came on and looked very composed on the ball.

In his 30-minute cameo, the Cameroonian midfielder was the only player to create a big chance, showing that, in addition to his defensive capabilities, he has the ability to contribute in attack.

While it may seem outlandish to suggest dropping Bruno Fernandes in a tough game against Atletico Madrid, it's clear that the Portuguese midfielder isn't playing to his full abilities and is most likely still dealing with the injury he picked up in the weeks leading up to the international break, which saw him miss one of Portugal's fixtures.

Perhaps Mason Mount should start in Michael Carrick's side against Atletico, as he will offer more mobility in the middle of the park and contribute more to the defence if needed.