Manchester United fans left Old Trafford on Saturday more worried about their own form than about their rivals’ scandal, after Tottenham Hotspur snatched a 1-1 draw with a 92nd-minute equalizer. Tottenham had been reduced to 10 men after Rodrigo Bentancur’s red card for head-butting Luke Shaw.
Before kickoff, the home supporters chanted “You cheating bastards, you know what you are” at Manchester City. Once United took the lead through Bryan Mbeumo midway through the second half, they added a dig at Spurs with “You’re going down with the City.” Referee Stuart Attwell then blew the final whistle, and the fans’ attention had shifted to how Tottenham had found a late goal.
Carrick said afterward that he was “massively disappointed with the result.” He described a “mixed performance” and admitted that the first half was “challenging.” He also saw clear progress after the break.
“There was a big improvement through the second half as it progressed and we put ourselves in such a good position towards the end of the game. To then not see it through — we should find a way of seeing that through.”
Late goals raise questions for Carrick
The result leaves United with their worst start after six games since 1986, and the pressure on Carrick is growing. He has not blamed his players publicly, and he did not do so again in his post-match news conference. Even so, the club expects more.
Dominic Solanke‘s header was the third time this season that United have conceded in stoppage time. Two of those late goals, against Everton and Spurs, have cost them four points.
“It’s a couple of times now when — different ways, obviously — that’s two late, late goals against us to throw away two wins really,” Carrick said. “That changes a lot of things, you know. It changes a lot of feelings for ourselves and it changes points and what [the table] looks like. We need to do better with seeing out games, that’s for sure, once we get ourselves in a good position.”
The repeated collapses suggest a fragile mentality and an inability to handle pressure when it matters most. On the Solanke goal, Lisandro Martínez was caught out as Sandro Tonali‘s cross floated toward the Spurs striker. Martínez could have headed the ball clear instead of dancing around Solanke, and Senne Lammens could also have done better.
Struggles against 10-man teams
Solanke’s goal means Spurs have followed City in scoring at Old Trafford this season after having a player sent off. United have now failed to win any of their past three games against teams with 10 men. In March, they lost 2-1 at Newcastle United after Jacob Ramsey was sent off. In November, under Ruben Amorim, Everton won 1-0 at Old Trafford despite having Idrissa Gueye dismissed for slapping his own teammate.
Carrick said the team must close out games better, whether by keeping possession, controlling the match, looking after the ball in the opponent’s half, or defending key moments more effectively. “Certainly, we need to improve that,” he said.
The last time United had fewer than six points after six games, Ron Atkinson was sacked as manager. Carrick is not there yet, but the pressure is building.
Baleba’s debut offers hope
Boos rang out around Old Trafford after just 20 minutes, as Spurs, who had started the day bottom of the table, began brightly. United were outplayed for long periods of the first half. The change came when £70 million summer signing Carlos Baleba, who joined from Brighton & Hove Albion, came on just before the hour mark. His introduction brought more energy and intent to the team.
Baleba’s cameo offered much-needed hope for the weeks and months ahead. However, his positive debut was overshadowed by United’s failure to win a game they should have won.
What comes next
United travel to Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, then face Leeds United next weekend. After that, they face another tough European assignment at Como.
Carrick insists that his biggest concern is that United keep falling on the wrong side of fine margins this season. To start moving in the right direction, they need to change that quickly.
