After the corresponding fixture last season, Ruben Amorim gave the explosive press conference that triggered his dismissal within 24 hours.
This time, it was Lisandro Martinez who lit the touchpaper before the game, criticising sporting director Jason Wilcox and the United hierarchy for failing, in his view, to recruit effectively during the summer.
Wilcox was in the stands at Elland Road, while Martinez started the game following his apology for the timing and forum of his attack rather than the words themselves.
To highlight the general view that United failed Carrick by not bringing in competition for Luke Shaw at left-back, Diogo Dalot became the fifth different player to start in that position this season.
It remains to be seen if Shaw will be fit enough for Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Serie A outfit Como, but the repeated changes cannot be helping Carrick.
Martinez went off at half-time with a thigh injury, and such is the delicate nature of Matthijs de Ligt’s fitness after almost 11 months out with a back complaint, Carrick preferred to bring on full-back Noussair Mazraoui rather than the Netherlands international.
Carrick’s side ended the game 13th in the Premier League table, with the possibility they might drop further before the match round is complete.
Unlike Amorim, Carrick found it easy to come up with a positive spin on the present situation.
“It felt like a bit of a fresh start today, to be honest, with where we’re at – accepting it and doing something about it,” Carrick said.
“I’m not accepting it as everything’s great by any stretch. I’m realistic with that.
“But sometimes you do struggle. Sometimes there’s a bit where you have to find a way through.
“There has been a cycle at times here over a period of time when it can go in different directions. We’ve got to be stable enough to keep doing the right things. We’re more than capable of winning football matches.
“I understand the situation doesn’t look too good if you look at it from a certain way, but I’ve got no doubts that we can go on a good run.”