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Leeds went in 2-0 up at half-time after a brace from Noah Okafor, with Michael Carrick’s side completely outplayed in their first game for 24 days.
The Red Devils were all over the place at Old Trafford and completely overrun in midfield. But plenty of United supporters watching the dross served up made the clear connection that the shocking showing was linked to Manuel Ugarte being handed a rare start
Ugarte has never really received much love from United supporters and the poor showing against their rivals was pinned on him. Plenty also called him to be transfer listed immediately after the dismal display.
One fan on X wrote: “This was really the most predictable thing ever, if you play Manuel Ugarte you lose that’s the rule.”
A second said: “Ugarte must be the first guy out as soon as that transfer window opens.”
A third wrote: “What is Ugarte good at? Absolutely stinking footballer.”
A fourth fumed: “Ugarte should be sold at half time.”
A final user stated: “What a dreadful performance, no shock Ugarte is in that midfield, awful…”
Ugarte joined United from Paris Saint-Germain for an initial £42 million but the midfielder has failed to impress and will surely be on his way out in the summer
The ex Middlesbrough manager has enjoyed a dream start in the job, leading United to fourth in the table after a six-game unbeaten run which included highlight wins over Manchester City and Arsenal.
Instead of dipping into the winter transfer market, Carrick has worked with the squad he had at his disposal and already helped improve a plethora of players.
However, before the summer transfer window opens, it appears as though one player’s fate has already been sealed.
They retained interest in the 27-year-old, however and a deal looks set to be on the cards – with Besiktas tabling a €5 million (£4 million) offer that United are “receptive” to.
Following a meeting between both parties this week, there is now a belief that Bayandir will be a Besiktas player as soon as the summer transfer window opens.
Bayindir joined United in 2023 from Fenerbahce for a fee of £4.3 million, becoming the club’s first ever Turkish player.
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He took the No.1 shirt and has played 17 times in all competitions. Initially the understudy to Andre Onana, Bayindir started the season as the first choice in between the sticks and played the first six games of the season in the Premier League.
However, he lost his place after the club completed the signing of Senne Lammens on deadline day.
Although it is early days, Carrick already looks to have got United playing a more recognisable brand of football and one that has brought them success in three games after a poor run of form.
United sit in fourth in the Premier League, one point ahead of Chelsea, and look to be hitting their stride at the right time.
However, Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique has also been touted as a potential contender and on Friday, Oddschecker confirmed that the Spaniard’s odds of being the next permanent manager have slashed.
Though Carrick remains the favourite at 8/11 after a strong start, Enrique now has odds of 16/1.
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A free agent in the summer, Glasner is the second favourite with odds of 7/1 – ahead of England boss Thomas Tuchel and Gareth Southgate – both at 12/1.
Enrique led to PSG to a historic treble last season, delivering their first Champions League triumph in style with a 5-0 win over Inter Milan in the final at the Allianz Arena.
The 55-year-old has a contract until 2027 and reports claim the club want to keep Enrique for the long-term and tie him down to a new deal.
Luis Enrique is one of the names tipped to be in contention for the Man United job. Image: Getty
Carrick takes charge of United against former club Spurs on Saturday and the 44-year-old is adamant that uncertainty over the managerial position is not impacting him or the players as they look to return to the highest level of European football.
“The players have been spot on and fully focused,” Carrick told a press conference on Thursday.
“We’re all aware of the bigger situation and what might happen.
“As a player, you focus on what’s ahead of you, trying to achieve what you can.
“I’ve got no concerns. The lads have been better than you can imagine.
“We’re focused on being better, improving and getting to where we want to be. Small steps, but it’s a big end to the season.
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