Manchester United Squad Depth Analysis: Neville Says Carrick Faces Heavy Pressure Before Champions League Return

Manchester United will return to the Champions League on Thursday night against Azerbaijani side Sabah; three days later comes the first Manchester derby of the season. Michael Carrick may need to use a rotated lineup, and Sky Sports' Callum Bishop analyzes whether this squad is capable of handling a multi-front campaign.

Neville's pressure: This week already feels like a defining point of the season

After Manchester United's 2-2 draw with Everton, Gary Neville said: "This puts a little pressure on Manchester United. They have Manchester City next week, and European competition starts in midweek as well." It may sound early for September, but the concern is not without reason. The pressure on Carrick has suddenly increased, and this week already looks like one that could shape the direction of the season.

According to the 2026/27 Premier League schedule, Manchester United were originally considered to have the statistically easiest opening six matches. Halfway through that run, they have already dropped more points than they have earned. Things will only get tougher: they face Azerbaijani champions Sabah on Thursday night before the first Manchester derby of the season three days later.

Squad depth: First in attack, second-bottom at left-back

Given the nature of the two opponents, Carrick is likely to rotate on Thursday. This will also be the first time we truly see his entire squad rather than just his preferred starting XI. The question is whether he has enough quality options available.

The general consensus is that Manchester United's transfer market decisions have left the team short-handed, with the squad unable to cope with three matches in a week because of over-reliance on the same group of players. According to Transfermarkt data, Manchester United actually have the second-largest squad in the Premier League. However, squad balance is the real issue.

Attack depth ranks highest, at first place

Midfield depth ranks eighth

Defensive depth ranks tenth

Right-back depth ranks ninth

Left-back depth ranks 18th

The left-back position has repeatedly been discussed because of Luke Shaw's injury history. This is an issue they can only blame themselves for: since 2022, only Everton and Liverpool have spent a lower proportion of their investment on the defensive line than Manchester United.

Highest net spend, but no real competition created

Imbalance is one problem, while another is the quality gap between the starting XI and the rotated squad. Although there appear to be financial restrictions within the club, the unavoidable fact is that Manchester United's net spend has been the highest among all Premier League teams since 2022. However, that spending still has not built a team with genuine competition in every position.

Using the match against Everton as an example, Carrick made his first substitution adjustment, but the team's intensity after the changes showed a clear drop compared with the starting lineup. When the Champions League match on Thursday and the game against Manchester City on Sunday arrive in succession, this gap will be further exposed.