Michael Carrick was left seething after Manchester United surrendered a winning position in the closing seconds, drawing 2-2 with Everton at Goodison Park. Ainsley Maitland-Niles struck deep into injury time to deny the visitors what would have been a crucial three points, leaving the United manager to describe the result as feeling like a defeat despite claiming a point.
The Red Devils twice led during the contest, with substitute Benjamin Sesko putting them ahead in the 88th minute after United had already taken the lead earlier in the match. Carrick's side appeared to have secured victory with time slipping away, only for Maitland-Niles to strike in the 96th minute and snatch an unlikely leveller for the home side. The dramatic finish capped a frustrating afternoon for United, who struggled to close out a match they dominated in key moments.
Carrick Defends Opening Despite League Position Concerns
Speaking immediately after the final whistle, Carrick laid bare his frustration while defending United's overall campaign trajectory. The manager acknowledged that the manner of the collapse—conceding so deep into added time—represented a painful outcome that transcended typical draws. "It feels like a defeat which is the obvious thing to say at this stage," Carrick explained. "We have taken a point, we can't ignore that but it feels like we should have had a lot more."
Despite sitting 11th in the Premier League table with just one win from three matches, Carrick pushed back against criticism of United's start. He insisted the campaign remained salvageable and pointed to fine margins as the difference between their current position and a healthier return. "We haven't started the season that bad, to be honest," he added. "It's not that bad. We were that close to coming away with three points today."
Focus Shifts to European Football
United must quickly reset their mentality as European duties await. The club begins their Champions League campaign against Sabah FK at Old Trafford on Thursday, offering Carrick's squad an opportunity to restore confidence through continental competition. The European fixture, however, represents merely a stepping stone toward a far more significant challenge on the horizon. Manchester United host bitter rivals Manchester City in a Manchester Derby the following weekend—a clash that could define their domestic ambitions and provide the perfect platform to bounce back from the Everton disappointment.
