Carrick's eight-game survival run: Atlético, Leeds and Liverpool await struggling United

Michael Carrick is already fighting for his future as Manchester United head coach after overseeing the club’s worst Premier League start in 40 years — six points from six matches leaving them 13th, as close to the relegation zone as to the top half of the table.

United’s only league win came six weeks ago against Ipswich Town at Old Trafford, a game in which they fell behind before recovering. They have drawn three of their six league fixtures, and their sole other victory came against Azerbaijani champions Sabah.

The schedule ahead offers little respite. Carrick’s side travel to Atlético Madrid in the Champions League this week, facing a Diego Simeone team that has won all four of its La Liga matches since losing to Liverpool on the opening matchday — including a 2-1 derby victory over Real Madrid. Atlético reached the semi-finals of the competition last season; United have not gone that far in 15 years.

Two further away matches follow in quick succession. Leeds United, who were unbeaten in the Premier League until last weekend and led Arsenal at the Emirates before losing, provide the next test. United then travel to Como, managed by Cesc Fàbregas, who opened their Champions League campaign with a 4-1 win over RB Leipzig and have not lost at home since mid-April.

A return to Old Trafford brings Bournemouth, before United make the trip to Stamford Bridge to face a Chelsea side that has won all but one of their home games this season, scoring 19 goals across those five fixtures.

November opens with back-to-back home matches. An unbeaten Roma side visit first, followed by Aston Villa — a team that has performed better away from home than at Villa Park this season. United’s run of eight closes with a trip to Anfield, where Liverpool have already beaten Atlético and still have Arsenal and Chelsea to come in the league.