Bryan Mbeumo delivered yet another goal at Elland Road on Saturday, but Manchester United could manage only a 1-1 draw against Leeds United — extending their winless run to six matches, the club's worst such streak since 2018-19.

The Cameroon forward has now netted four times in seven Premier League appearances since joining United. Only Bruno Fernandes — who hit a hat-trick against Ipswich in August — has scored more than once for the club this season, a statistic that underlines the attacking poverty gripping Michael Carrick's squad.

A sixth match without a win

United entered the match carrying the weight of Lisandro Martinez's public criticism of sporting director Jason Wilcox and the club hierarchy over summer recruitment. Carrick told BBC Radio Five Live he had kept his headphones on this week to block out the noise, though he acknowledged results must improve.

Wilcox watched from the stands as Martinez started — having apologised for the timing and public forum of his outburst rather than its substance. The Argentine defender then limped off at half-time with a thigh injury, further complicating Carrick's defensive options.

Matthijs de Ligt's fragile fitness, after nearly 11 months sidelined with a back problem, led Carrick to turn to full-back Noussair Mazraoui rather than the Netherlands international when a replacement was needed. Meanwhile, Diogo Dalot became the fifth different player to fill the left-back role this season — a rotating cast that points to the recruitment shortfall criticised by Martinez.

Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher reflected on the wider picture after the final whistle.