A retrospective comparison of Louis van Gaal versus Michael Carrick managing Manchester United during separate eight-match winless runs.
On 26 Oct 2026 GMT+7, a comparison was made between Louis van Gaal, the Dutch manager, and Michael Carrick, the English coach, regarding their respective eight-match winless streaks while managing Manchester United in the English Premier League. These streaks occurred at different times, and the ultimate outcomes may be similar or different, with results to be revealed soon.
Starting with Louis van Gaal, who managed the prestigious Old Trafford team, his eight-match winless streak across all competitions occurred in the 2015–16 season from 25 November to 28 December 2015. During this period, the team played eight matches, drawing four and losing four, scoring only five goals while conceding ten. A 2-3 loss to Wolfsburg resulted in Manchester United's elimination from the UEFA Champions League group stage, relegating them to the UEFA Europa League. This negative streak ended with a 2-1 Premier League victory over Swansea City on 2 January 2016.
Although van Gaal was not dismissed during that streak, he was eventually removed from his position in May 2016 after leading the team to an FA Cup victory. The primary reason was finishing fifth in the Premier League, missing out on qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
25 Nov 2015 (UEFA Champions League): Drew 0-0 with PSV Eindhoven (home).
28 Nov 2015 (Premier League): Drew 1-1 with Leicester City (away).
5 Dec 2015 (Premier League): Drew 0-0 with West Ham United (home).
8 Dec 2015 (UEFA Champions League): Lost 2-3 to Wolfsburg (away) – eliminated at group stage.
12 Dec 2015 (Premier League): Lost 1-2 to Bournemouth (away).
19 Dec 2015 (Premier League): Lost 1-2 to Norwich City (home).
26 Dec 2015 (Premier League): Lost 0-2 to Stoke City (away).
28 Dec 2015 (Premier League): Drew 0-0 with Chelsea (home).
Meanwhile, Michael Carrick managed an eight-match winless run across all competitions, comprising three draws and five losses. His last victory was in late August before the team entered a severe slump, scoring 6 goals but conceding 16.
13 Sep 2026 (Premier League): Lost 0-1 to Manchester City (home).
16 Sep 2026 (Carabao Cup): Lost 2-3 to Brighton & Hove Albion (home).
20 Sep 2026 (Premier League): Drew 1-1 with Fulham (away).
10 Oct 2026 (Premier League): Drew 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur (home).
13 Oct 2026 (Champions League): Lost 0-2 to Atlético Madrid.
18 Oct 2026 (Premier League): Drew 1-1 with Leeds United (away).
21 Oct 2026 (Champions League): Lost 1-4 to Como (away).
25 Oct 2026 (Premier League): Lost 0-3 to Bournemouth (home).