Manchester United are in a difficult moment, sitting 12th in the Premier League table with five points from five matches, and the pressure on Michael Carrick is building with each passing week. The team's inconsistency has defined their early season, and the international break has done little to ease concerns at Old Trafford.

Carrick responded to the slump by arranging a behind-closed-doors friendly using Sir Jim Ratcliffe's multi-club network, a move that underlined how seriously the club views its current situation. That fixture brought some positive news, as summer signing Carlos Baleba made his first appearance since arriving from Brighton, having been sidelined with an ankle problem. His return gives Carrick an extra option in midfield, though the broader injury picture remains a concern.

The squad's problems off the pitch have also drawn attention. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens found himself responding publicly to criticism from club legend Paul Scholes, who questioned whether the Belgian has the quality to anchor a title-challenging side. It is the kind of scrutiny that reflects the uncertainty surrounding several positions.

Tottenham arrive at Old Trafford on October 10 for what is already a significant fixture. Roberto De Zerbi's side are dealing with their own injury worries, with Jan Paul van Hecke and Micky van de Ven both carrying fitness concerns from international duty. United will need to take advantage. A win would lift confidence and ease the pressure on Carrick, whose position is already attracting outside interest, with Antonio Conte publicly refusing to rule out a Premier League return.