Manchester United left Everton with signs of progress, but their 2-2 draw also exposed problems Michael Carrick must solve quickly as a demanding run of fixtures begins.
Benjamin Sesko provided one of the biggest positives by scoring his first goal of the season after a shin injury delayed his start to the campaign. Kobbie Mainoo also continued his strong early-season form, while goalkeeper Senne Lammens again showed composure despite another difficult afternoon for United’s defence.
Marcus Rashford, back at the club and playing with renewed purpose, also contributed to an encouraging attacking display.
Defensive Concerns Undermine Encouraging Display
The wider picture, however, remains uncomfortable.
United have collected only four points from their opening three Premier League matches despite a European-based pre-season designed to have the squad ready from the opening weekend. They have conceded two goals in every league game so far, with those results coming against two promoted clubs and an Everton side still dealing with frustration following a disappointing end to the transfer window.
Their next challenge is a Champions League trip to Azerbaijan to face Sabah FK before a derby against Manchester City, increasing the pressure on Carrick to turn promising performances into victories.
At Everton, United controlled large spells and twice moved ahead, only to be denied by two outstanding long-range finishes.
Tyrique George produced the first equaliser with a powerful strike that beat Lammens at his near post, while substitute Ainsley Maitland-Niles rescued Everton with a late effort on his Premier League debut for the club. His goal made him the first Everton player to score from outside the penalty area on his league debut.
United could therefore argue that both goals were difficult to prevent, but conceding six times across three league matches remains a clear concern. Carrick knows his team must become harder to score against if they are to convert control and possession into regular wins.
Former United striker Wayne Rooney saw plenty to encourage Carrick, particularly in midfield, where United were able to dictate significant periods of the match. The visitors created enough opportunities to feel they should have returned home with all three points.
Shaw and Rashford Offer Threat on the Left
Luke Shaw was another standout performer.
The England defender regularly advanced down the left and supplied the cross from which Sesko scored with a late header. His combination with Rashford was one of United’s most effective attacking routes, with the pair repeatedly stretching Everton’s defence.
Rashford’s second-half withdrawal after feeling some discomfort will therefore be a concern ahead of the coming schedule.
Shaw’s performance was especially timely given United’s decision not to pursue Manchester City left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri late in the transfer window. The club preferred not to add a permanent signing who would directly increase competition for Shaw.
On the evidence of the Everton match, Shaw remains an important part of Carrick’s plans and has continued to feature regularly in United’s Premier League starting line-up.
Squad Depth Set to Be Tested
United’s squad depth is likely to come under greater scrutiny in the weeks ahead.
The club did not sign another striker before the transfer deadline, leaving Sesko as the main recognised option up front.
Joshua Zirkzee remained an unused substitute at Everton despite having been linked with a loan move to the Merseyside club. United blocked the possibility of a temporary departure because they were unable to recruit a replacement before the window closed.
Sesko’s first goal of the campaign now strengthens his case for another start, but Carrick must decide how heavily to use him during a particularly congested period.
United face four matches in 11 days, representing Carrick’s busiest spell since taking charge.
That creates several selection questions. Shaw’s workload may need to be managed, Zirkzee’s role remains uncertain and Sesko could be required both in Europe and in the Manchester derby.
Carrick must also decide how much rotation to make against Sabah FK with Manchester City waiting immediately afterwards.
These are the challenges United expected after returning to European competition. The greater concern is ensuring their results keep pace with the increased demands.
Three matches into the league season, there is no reason for panic. United have shown enough quality to suggest improvement is possible. But with six goals already conceded and five points dropped, Carrick will know that encouraging performances alone will not satisfy expectations for much longer.