Manchester United have endured a disastrous start to the 2026/27 campaign under Michael Carrick, winning just two of their opening 12 matches across all competitions.

It represents an extraordinary decline after Carrick’s impressive end to last season, when his appointment helped revive United’s fortunes and restore optimism around Old Trafford.

However, that optimism has disappeared following an eight-match winless run, culminating in Sunday’s humiliating 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth.

The result came just days after United were thrashed 4-1 by Como in the Champions League, with Carrick’s side looking increasingly short of confidence and attacking ideas.

Despite dominating possession against Bournemouth, United managed 17 shots without creating a clear-cut opportunity.

Bruno Fernandes was also dropped following his criticism of Carrick’s tactics against Como.

Many expected the former midfielder to be dismissed immediately, but he is now expected to conduct Thursday’s press conference before Saturday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea.

Carrick was also due to observe a behind-closed-doors friendly against Hull City on Monday, despite uncertainty surrounding his future.

Injuries have hardly helped matters.

Benjamin Sesko, who scored 12 goals in his debut campaign, could reportedly remain sidelined until the new year, leaving Carrick reliant on alternative attacking options.

However, amid the first team’s struggles, another Manchester United attacker has produced a remarkable goalscoring performance.

Four-goal hero inspires emphatic Manchester United victory

Kai Rooney, the 16-year-old son of Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer Wayne Rooney, scored four times as Darren Fletcher’s Under-18s demolished Burnley 6-0 on Tuesday afternoon.

As confirmed on Manchester United’s official match centre, Rooney opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a right-footed finish before winning and converting a penalty shortly after half-time.

He completed his hat-trick in the 63rd minute, heading home Jay McEvoy’s corner, before adding his fourth just three minutes later with another right-footed finish.

Jaume Camacho and Noah Ajayi completed the rout with goals in the 82nd and 84th minutes respectively.

The performance is particularly impressive considering Rooney’s injury problems.

In March, he announced that he would miss the remainder of the 2025/26 season, having previously required a protective boot and crutches.

Before that setback, he had scored twice and registered two assists against Blackburn’s Under-16s before joining the Under-18s fixture against the same opponents and scoring again.

Rooney has since returned to action, and Tuesday’s display represents another significant milestone in his recovery and development.

Remarkably, United’s previous Under-18 fixture also produced a four-goal hero. Camacho scored four against Liverpool in Saturday’s 6-3 victory, with Rooney himself assisting one of his goals.

While Carrick’s senior squad continue to struggle, Fletcher’s youngsters have now scored 12 goals in two matches, offering supporters genuine encouragement for the future.