Manchester United's poor start under Michael Carrick has increased scrutiny on his position, with reports also linking attention to Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler. United have won just one of seven Premier League games, putting added focus on the run ahead.
United's start to the season
Manchester United have won just one of seven Premier League games and were dumped out of the League Cup at the earliest opportunity. They have also not kept a clean sheet against English opposition this term.
Neville's target for Carrick
Club legend Gary Neville said: "Fifth is a must for Michael Carrick to continue to grow and Manchester United continue to grow with investment."
Neville also said: "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."
He added: "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."
Neville said: "You’ve got to say fifth. You know that anything less than fifth is going to be a disappointment and a dropping standard from the start of the season where everybody expected them to finish."
Next five league games
Manchester United's next five league games are Bournemouth, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Brentford.
Hurzeler reports
TEAMtalk understands Manchester United's hierarchy are not ready to press the panic button and sack Michael Carrick. TEAMtalk previously reported that Jason Wilcox is a 'confirmed admirer' of Hurzeler.
Football Insider says Brighton are 'relaxed' about Fabian Hurzeler's long-term future and have had 'no contact' from any other club at this stage. Football Insider also says Hurzeler is under contract until the summer of 2029, Brighton are not worried about the prospect of him leaving any time soon, and the club are 'not surprised' by the interest in him.