Man Utd news: Michael Carrick given sack timeline as four players put at risk

· Mirror

Manchester United round-up as priorities for the next transfer window emerge

Michael Carrick remains under pressure despite Sunday's encouraging performance at Leeds. The 1-1 draw at Elland Road saw United's winless run stretch to six games in all competitions.

However, there were positives for Carrick, who called the display a "fresh start" ahead of a tough run of fixtures, starting with Wednesday's Champions League clash away to Como. That is followed by Premier League games against Bournemouth, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Liverpool.

There is plenty of scrutiny on matters off the pitch following Lisandro Martinez's explosive TV interview, in which he called out director of football Jason Wilcox over the club's summer transfer business.

While the Argentine has apologised and started against Leeds, the tirade has shone an even brighter spotlight on the next transfer window, when United will need to strengthen. Here's a round-up of the latest news from Old Trafford...

Carrick set sack timeline

Gary Neville says Carrick can't afford for United to still be mired in mid-table by January. United are 13th after seven games, closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League spots.

Neville believes Carrick deserves more time in his first season as permanent boss but says United must improve, and soon. Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: "Fifth [which will probably be enough for Champions League football] is a must for Michael Carrick to continue to grow and Manchester United continue to grow with investment.

> "If they're 13th in January, he's got a problem because then you are what you are. Whereas I think it's still early enough, seven points from seven games, to say, 'Okay, still early in the season.' You can't say that after 15 games."

> "It has to change in the next few weeks: Bournemouth is really important and Chelsea away. And how he manages the games in between that."

January plans put stars at risk

United's plans for the next transfer window raise question marks about the future of the team's experienced defenders. Per Sky Sports, United are prioritising centre-backs and left-backs as part of the squad rebuilding process, having bolstered the midfield in the summer and their attacking options 12 months earlier.

There was disappointment in the summer that United failed to land a replacement - or at least an alternative - to Luke Shaw, so it's no surprise that a left-back is on the shopping list. United wanted Lewis Hall but Newcastle were unwilling to sell and then tied the full-back to a new long-term contract, meaning he looks ungettable.

United are also looking at centre-backs. The future of Martinez, who is out of contract next summer, is in doubt after his recent outburst. Harry Maguire is 33 and is also out of contract at the end of the season, while Matthijs de Ligt has suffered injury problems, although he is available again after back surgery.

It could be argued that United also need to strengthen their attacking options further, both through the middle and out wide. But for now, defence appears to be the club's primary focus.

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