Manchester United's next five Premier League fixtures could prove decisive in determining Michael Carrick's future as head coach at Old Trafford.

Carrick is under increasing pressure following a disappointing start to the season, with United managing just two wins from their opening nine matches across all competitions. Both victories came at home against newly promoted Ipswich Town and Azerbaijani outfit Sabah FK.

The Red Devils face a daunting run of fixtures, beginning with a difficult trip to Leeds United before hosting Bournemouth and travelling to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea at the end of October. November brings further challenges, with Aston Villa visiting Old Trafford before United make the trip to face Liverpool.

Despite the attention surrounding United's upcoming schedule, Carrick is keeping his focus firmly on Sunday's clash with Leeds. Sitting seventh in the Premier League table, Leeds have enjoyed an impressive campaign and are producing some of the most exciting football Elland Road has witnessed in years.

The fixture poses a significant challenge for the Red Devils, with recent comments from Lisandro Martínez adding to the club's growing tension.

However, Carrick and his coaching staff must ensure that external noise does not become a distraction, as Sunday's encounter could prove a defining moment in the head coach's tenure.

United headed to their recent away fixture against Atletico Madrid with a fair few injuries. Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw were ruled out after picking up problems against Tottenham Hotspur, although Matthijs de Ligt was back in the squad.

Benjamin Šeško, Patrick Dorgu, Noussair Mazraoui, Tom Heaton, and Manuel Ugarte were also absent, while Bruno Fernandes played, but Carrick confirmed that the United captain is carrying a slight issue.

Speaking on Friday afternoon, Carrick issued an update on his squad amid a plethora of injury doubts, explaining that further checks on some of his injured players are ongoing.

"We’ll see on Luke and Kobbie," Carrick admitted to the press.

"Ben [Šeško] is still undergoing a couple of checks. Before we update the timelines, we’re trying to be clear on what that looks like."

A big question on everyone's mind in the last few days is whether or not centre-back Martínez should be involved in the fixture after criticising the club's board for a perceived lack of investment in the squad.

After finishing third last season, United spent a net of around £80 million on new players, which many, both within and outside the squad, thought was insufficient to catch up to Manchester City and Arsenal, who finished above them last campaign.

Carrick was further asked whether Martínez would be in the squad for the tie, and the United boss confirmed he is in contention, as he sees the issue as resolved following talks with the player.

"It's done really," Carrick explained. "We have moved on. It's one of those things. He's come out and acknowledged the situation. We have moved on pretty quickly."

Speaking further about the meeting that took place on Thursday, Carrick said, "It was pretty simple, we all understood the situation and what it meant.

"He made the statement and acknowledged it was a mistake on his part. We have a really good feeling within the group, the spirit and togetherness."