Manchester United's loss to Leeds United on Monday night dealt a significant blow to their Champions League ambitions, intensifying the pressure on interim manager Michael Carrick. While not a fatal setback, the defeat highlights a worrying dip in form, with two losses in four matches pulling the club back into an unwanted top-four scrap.

The upcoming three fixtures now loom as a critical audition for Carrick. Despite initially steadying the ship and guiding United to third place after taking over, the honeymoon period appears over. Questions are mounting about his tactical adaptability and whether he possesses the long-term vision to restore the club to its former glory.

Complicating matters is the sudden availability of Andoni Iraola, following his departure from Bournemouth. Reports suggest United's hierarchy, previously leaning towards appointing Carrick permanently, may now be reconsidering their options. Iraola's attractive, high-pressing style presents a compelling alternative, though his potential appointment carries the inherent risk of any managerial change.

Arguments in Carrick's favor are valid. He commands immense respect within the dressing room, understands the club's culture from his playing days, and has navigated a squad with glaring structural flaws. The team, arguably built for a back-three system, is undergoing a painful transition to a 4-2-3-1—a challenge for any coach.

Ultimately, the next week could define United's immediate future. Carrick has a narrow window to prove he is not just a popular caretaker but the right architect for the rebuild. As the fixtures pile up, the decision for INEOS becomes clearer: stick with the known quantity or pursue a new direction in the dugout.