Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit has urged Manchester United to stand behind manager Michael Carrick, warning that the club's troubles stretch well beyond the dugout following a five-match winless run.

The Red Devils suffered another blow on Tuesday when they fell 2-0 to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, a result that has intensified scrutiny on the club's direction. United have not recorded a win since beating Sabah at Old Trafford on September 10th.

Carrick under pressure

After the Atletico Madrid defeat, Carrick acknowledged that "the boys are hurting." Defender Lisandro Martinez reportedly echoed that frustration, raising concerns about the club's broader structure — sentiments said to be shared across an unsettled dressing room.

Gullit points to years of missed opportunities

Speaking to ComeOn, Gullit argued that United's difficulties are rooted in recruitment failures stretching back five or six years. He insisted that patience, not a managerial change, is what the club truly needs.

"The most important thing that Manchester United can show this season is patience. It's a simple fact. They don't have the best players in the Premier League anymore," Gullit said.

The 1987 Ballon d'Or winner explained that the finest talent in England has consistently moved to rival clubs, leaving United unable to compete at the summit of the Premier League.

"The top players went to Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City, and United have missed the boat, and it will take some time for them to get themselves in order to get back to a level where they can have a chance at winning another Premier League title. There are too many stronger contenders with a lot more quality this season."

With elite talent concentrated at Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City, Gullit believes United face a long road back to title contention — one that cannot be shortened by swapping out the man in the dugout.