Michael Owen makes feelings clear on Michael Carrick as Man Utd sent sack verdict

EXCLUSIVE: Michael Owen makes feelings clear on Michael Carrick as Man Utd sent sack verdict

Michael Carrick has suffered a slow start to the new Premier League season with Manchester United, as fans worry about history repeating itself at Old Trafford

Michael Owen doesn't feel as though Manchester United should be considering Michael Carrick's future with the club just yet, despite a shocking start to the season. While the Englishman thrived during his interim stint between January and May, successfully picking up the pieces left behind by Ruben Amorim and guiding the Red Devils to a third-place Premier League finish, the new term has been rather unkind.

United currently sit 13th in the English top flight, with a record of one win, three draws and two losses to show for their efforts. Saturday's result will have been particularly painful for fans, considering Carrick's men were held to a 1-1 draw by Roberto De Zerbi's struggling Tottenham Hotspur, who are yet to taste victory this term.

While some fans could be quick to call for Carrick's job, considering Erik ten Hag and Amorim both suffered incredibly slow starts to the seasons they were sacked in, Owen believes that the 45-year-old needs more time to ground the club, while sharing some home truths about the state of play at Old Trafford.

Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football as an ambassador for Casino.org, who provide online casino information, Owen said: "I would like to think he'd get more time. I mean, he did so well last season.

"I think he deserves more time. I think we could easily point to a couple of things. You know, Man City were the recipients of one of the best or worst, depending on who you support, VAR decisions - United could be sat there with a few more points easily.

"I'm not saying that would make everything better, but, you know, let's get it right, United have been c*** for 10, 15 years now. The second-half of last season was as good as it's been for that period of time.

"So Manchester United fans will be forgiven for thinking this could be a great season, really exciting. If they continue playing like they did last season, then they might be in the mix for the title.

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"I guess the enthusiasm of already having no chance in the league and already being out of the League Cup is probably quite depressing. There's a long season ahead.

"I get that and I get why there's a little bit of disappointment, but, you know, that doesn't mean that Michael Carrick all of a sudden should be under massive pressure after what he did last season. They've already been down those routes of chopping, changing, getting the new shiny toy.

"They've had old managers, they've had experienced managers, they've had ex-players, they've had the new glitzy, glamoury one from abroad. They've done everything. At some point, you've just got to understand that there's going to be a slow process back to getting where they want to be."

Owen's comments come after reports surfaced on Monday that United chiefs privately accept they got the summer window wrong. United spent around £155m on Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos to rebuild their midfield.

However, The Sun claim United admit that the latter two were 'low down the list' with the likes of Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes top targets that proved to be too expensive. The club is also said to regret not signing a left-back.

United will have to wait a little under a week to hopefully turn the tide in the English top flight, given their current priority is giving a good account of themselves in the Champions League. The Red Devils travel to the Spanish capital to face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

Carrick will then look to regroup for a Premier League derby with Leeds United on Sunday, October 18, at Elland Road, with Daniel Farke's men proving a tough test to handle this season.

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