Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has admitted that his players simply didn’t do enough to close the game out, consequently allowing Everton to salvage a draw in Merseyside.
Disappointing draw
Bryan Mbeumo netted the opener for United following a surging run and a lethal finish into the bottom corner.
But United took their foot off the gas and allowed Everton an avenue back into the game. The Toffees took advantage in the 83rd minute through Tyrique George, who fired into the roof of the net.
Benjamin Sesko thought he had won it for the Red Devils in the 88th minute with a fine header, only for fellow substitute Ainsley Maitland-Niles to score a stunner and ensure the spoils were shared.
It was a mixed bag from United. There were encouraging displays from the likes of Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo, but the same could not be said for Senne Lammens, Matheus Cunha, or substitutes Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui, who all underwhelmed.
A frustrated Carrick addressed the media after the final whistle, laying into his players for their inability to get the win over the line, though he carefully avoided naming any culprits directly.
Carrick’s remarks
The United head coach remarked, “There was a lot of good things in the game for us. We played some really good football, were dangerous at times. For the most part we defended well as a team.”
“The longer the game went on there were a few more balls into the box and a few decisions we made it more difficult for us when we should’ve seen it out really. We’re disappointed we didn’t come away with a win.”
Asked which mistakes he was referring to, he remarked, “I’ll keep them to myself a little bit but we should’ve seen the game out really so we’re disappointed with that.”
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He added about the Everton goals, “There were two great strikes to be fair. We didn’t give them real clear chances. We defended well. They had a few bits that dropped around the edge of the box.”
“We defended the box pretty well for the most part. We look to the reasons how they ended up getting those opportunities but those were really good strikes.”
Carrick further stated, “There was a lot of good things. Especially early on in the game and probably towards the end not so much. We looked dangerous. I thought we called a lot of problems. They got really good goals for different reasons and our second one should’ve been a winner.”
United are next in action on Thursday when they face Sabah in their Champions League opener.
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