Manchester United's 3-0 loss to Bournemouth sparked two days of intense uncertainty about Michael Carrick's future. In the immediate aftermath, it looked all but certain that the United legend would lose his job. 

However, it was revealed by numerous reports that Carrick will be staying in charge and has the backing from the board to turn the situation around for the time being. 

The Red Devils will be heading to Stamford Bridge on Saturday to take on Chelsea, who themselves are coming off the back of a disappointing loss to Tottenham Hotspur, where their talisman Cole Palmer was sent off in the process.

Despite the current backing Carrick has, he will be hoping his side can change their fortunes for the better, sooner rather than later. The pressure will only ramp up the worse United perform and with results not going the club's way.

Going into the summer, it was widely known that Manchester United needed a huge overhaul of the squad. With the departures of Casemiro and the injury to Manuel Ugarte, three midfielders were required, and they were brought in. 

However, it was also acknowledged that the club needed, at the very least, cover at left-back for Luke Shaw, cover for Benjamin Sesko, as well as cover at centre-back. Yet none of these problems was addressed in the summer. 

The issue has now become a catastrophe, especially when you look at the line-up against Bournemouth. Diogo Dalot had to play at left-back with Shaw and Patrick Dorgu injured, Leny Yoro then having to cover at right-back and then Ayden Heaven and Harry Maguire at centre-back. Bryan Mbeumo was still filling in as the striker, as he has done almost all season and pre-season. 

According to Football Insider, United's transfer priorities have changed with the depleted defensive options the club have. Initially, it was reported that a forward like Jean-Philippe Mateta, alongside a left-back, could be an option for the club. 

With the recent results, the club want to focus on bolstering their defence by bringing in centre-backs alongside a left-back to avoid the mess with players playing out of position.

If Manchester United try to ignore the forward position and focus only on defenders in January, then INEOS are making the same mistake for the third time. 

In 2025, the club focused on signing just three attackers and ignored the midfield problem. The only reason a goalkeeper was on the agenda was that Andre Onana was out of favour and on his way out. In 2026, the club focused on signing just three midfielders.

The fact that the club ignored other problem areas during squad building is why the team has become as depleted as it has.

With the seemingly long-term issues around Benjamin Sesko, the club needed an out-and-out striker who could deputise in his absence instead of playing Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha out of position.

Even if they solve the defensive issues, there will be constant complaints about the lack of forward options or in-form options.