Michael Carrick admits Man Utd situation 'doesn't look great' but hails 'fresh start' at Leeds

Michael Carrick has admitted Manchester United's situation "doesn't look great" after a 1-1 draw at Leeds, but insisted the performance at Elland Road felt like a "fresh start" for his side.

United have collected just seven points from their seven Premier League games and have won only once in seven matches in all competitions. They sit in the bottom half and are still waiting for a first win since August.

A single league win after seven games is the club's fewest victories at this stage of a top-flight season since 1986-87.

Carrick did not hide from the numbers, but he backed his squad to turn things around.

“We are not accepting that everything's great, but sometimes you do struggle and you have to find a way through it. I understand the situation doesn't look great but I have no doubts we can go on a good run.”

Bryan Mbeumo gave United the lead in the 35th minute, poking home a cross from Youri Tielemans. Leeds levelled on 51 minutes when Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored from close range after the visitors failed to clear a corner.

The draw followed a difficult week in which Lisandro Martínez criticised the club hierarchy's lack of summer spending after a Champions League defeat at Atlético Madrid. Carrick said the response from his players had been strong.

“It felt like a fresh start today, accepting it and doing something about it. There was definitely that commitment, it had to be there today. I didn't doubt that, I could feel it, the last couple of days has been as good around the group as we have had for quite some time.”

Carrick made tactical changes for the trip, bringing back Harry Maguire in to counter Calvert-Lewin, though there were question marks over his other defensive selections. Leny Yoro featured at right-back, yet recognised full-back Noussair Mazraoui replaced Martinez in central defence at Elland Road. Diogo Dalot deputised at left-back.

Carrick insisted there were shoots of positivity despite another Premier League game without a win.

“We are not getting too carried away because we didn't win, but if you keep doing the right things for the right reasons, you get what you deserve in the end.

United travel to Serie A side Como in the Champions League on Wednesday.