Manchester United's season went from bad to worse on Sunday afternoon, being humiliated by Bournemouth.
United were 1-0 down before registering their first shot on target, mustering just one effort -- a wild lash by full-back Diogo Dalot -- in the first 40 minutes.
Michael Carrick's men were 2-0 down before registering their second shot on target via Lisandro Martinez, and 3-0 down before notching their third.
Carrick's position now appears untenable, and only the lack of a glaringly obvious alternative has kept him in post throughout their eight-game winless run, last matched during Louis van Gaal's miserable second season at Old Trafford.
While some of Manchester United's recent league outings have looked tricky -- Manchester City at home, Tottenham at home, Leeds away -- Bournemouth at home looked like a good opportunity to pick up a much-needed three points.
bet365's Steve Freeth said: "Manchester United’s early fixtures looked favourable on paper and offered them a chance to make a strong start. However, the opposite has happened, and they now face three tough fixtures in which it would be no surprise if they returned with zero points."
United's upcoming fixtures, and the nature of the performance against the Cherries, inspires little hope for positive results in the near future.
The Red Devils head to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea on Saturday afternoon before hosting Roma in the UEFA Champions League and then Aston Villa before the international break.
It's extremely hard to see Carrick still being in post by the return of domestic football, though whatever manager is in the dugout on 22nd November is unlikely to be relishing a trip to Anfield to take on rivals Liverpool.
It's 8/1 that Manchester United take zero points from their next three, and 13/2 they take seven to nine points from their next three.
Odds displayed correct at time of publishing and subject to change or withdrawal at any time.
