When the Premier League resumes after the international break, a match neither manager can afford to lose awaits. Manchester United host Tottenham at Old Trafford on Saturday 10 October at 18.30. Michael Carrick has five points after five games. Roberto De Zerbi has two.

Between them, the two clubs have one win in ten league matches. Both beIN Sports and Sports Illustrated rank the two managers among those most at risk this autumn, with De Zerbi top of the list.

Carrick's difficult autumn

United are twelfth in the table. The season began with a 2–0 defeat away at Hull, and their only league win came against Ipswich (5–2). That was followed by a 2–2 draw with Everton, a 1–0 home defeat to Manchester City and a 1–1 draw away at Fulham, where United salvaged a late point.

Perhaps the worst result came in the League Cup. United led 2–0 at home against ten-man Brighton, only to lose 3–2. Carrick had made eight changes to his side. After the match, he denied feeling the pressure.

I don't feel under pressure. In any case, it doesn't bother me in the slightest.

Michael Carrick speaking to BBC Sport

According to BBC Sport, Carrick has already lost more matches this season than in his first 17 games after taking over from Ruben Amorim in January. In May, he was given the job on a permanent basis after what SI describes as a successful spell as interim manager.

De Zerbi's blown budget

Tottenham are bottom of the Premier League for the first time in 18 years, according to Sky Sports. The club spent more than £300 million in the summer, including £100 million on Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, £85 million on Savinho and £85 million on Mateus Fernandes. Andy Robertson and Martin Dubravka arrived on free transfers.

The results have not followed. Spurs have scored two goals in five games, and according to Sky Sports, only Coventry have created as little in terms of expected goals. The team's only points came from two goalless draws against Nottingham Forest and Everton. Their latest result was a 3–2 home defeat to Aston Villa, and Tottenham are also out of the League Cup.

“If we don't score, it's my responsibility. I take responsibility. Football is like life: either you are strong or you lose,” De Zerbi said after the Villa match, according to NBC Sports. He described himself as “very disappointed, very sad and very frustrated”.

Same goals conceded, different firepower

United and Tottenham have each conceded eight goals. The difference is up front: United have scored eight, Tottenham two. De Zerbi has called his team too fragile. Carrick's United have scored just three goals in the three league matches since the emphatic win over Ipswich.

If Tottenham lose at Old Trafford, they will have gone six games without a win. United face three matches in nine days: Tottenham at home, Atlético Madrid away in the Champions League and Leeds away on 18 October.