Manchester United: Is Michael Carrick the Right Man to Revive the Reds Defense?

After a 5-3 drubbing vs. Leicester City, it is clear where Manchester United's weaknesses lie: defense.

With only seven starts combined in a United shirt between Tyler Blackett and Marcos Rojo, the Red Devils found themselves relying on underachievers Jonny Evans and Rafael da Silva to lead their back line—never an encouraging situation.

While a Rojo-Blackett-Evans-Rafael back line was always set to struggle, it was expected that United's offensive firepower could overcome their shoddy defense, a la 2013/14 Liverpool.

In this back four's first real test, that theory proved to be utterly untrue.

Jon Super/Associated Press/Associated Press

Now, United are in desperate need of composure and experience at the back, and while they'll have to wait until January to find world-class reinforcements, Michael Carrick could prove to be a short-term fix when he returns from injury.

According to Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail, Louis van Gaal has spoken about Carrick playing in the centre of defense, and he has strongly considered playing him there in recent weeks.

Though Carrick will never be confused with Thiago Silva or Mats Hummels on the defensive side of the ball, there is only a very slight chance he will perform worse than United's defenders have been so far.

Naturally a holding midfielder, a move to centre-back isn't a massive transition for Carrick, plus he played defense under Sir Alex Ferguson periodically.

After averaging 2.1 tackles and 2.8 interceptions per game last season, it certainly seems the Englishman is capable of performing this role in a competent manner. 

A move to centre-back for Carrick would be a win-win for both Carrick and Van Gaal, as the former would still remain a vital part of the squad after the arrival of Daley Blind, and the latter could call upon an experienced veteran to lead his back line. 

Merely considered a competent defender—no more—and at 33 years of age, Carrick is by no means a glamorous option or a sure thing to perform well.

But after conceding five goals to a newly promoted side, what else can Van Gaal say but "why not?"

Stats and info via Whoscored.com.