Man United show variety of squad, but still rue dropped points

It felt like an absolute dagger to the hearts of all the Manchester United players on the pitch at Hill Dickinson Stadium, especially Benjamin Sesko.

It was 15 seconds over the stipulated 5 minutes of added time after the full 90 minutes. The Red Devils were just seconds away from what would be two wins in a row, and a solid platform set ahead of the all-important Manchester Derby this coming Sunday. But a frankly outrageous goal from Ainsley Maitland-Niles on his Toffees debut with what was practically the last kick of the game meant that Michael Carrick’s men are tottering at 4 points from a possible 9 in what was a favourable opening slate of games.

Michael Carrick’s face told a multitude of stories. He knew that his side could and should have won the game. But his side’s inability to kill games and stay on top of key moments has seen them drop 2 more points, making it 5 points dropped in 3 games already.

There are definitely positives that can be taken from this game. United were accomplished in midfield, with Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans once again playing well together as a tandem. The attacking quartet of Marcus Rashford, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Bruno Fernandes once again showed that they can click when on song. Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire also had good defensive performances, while Sesko came from the bench and scored his side’s second goal.

Overall, against Everton, United showed good moments, and also showcased their ability in depth as well as tactical nuance. They have enough options with the starting 11 to test their opponents’ readiness to adapt, going from pace, movement, and quickness of thought to direct play and physicality. 

The players not only brought in an innate level of complexity, but also a little bit of a direct approach that did test Everton.

However, the dropped points are already creating pressure over United this early into the season. Conceding twice in all three games to begin with is obviously not a good sign, while the Red Devils’ unease and uncertainty in dealing with set-pieces is another issue that could become a recurring theme to the season.

Another factor is the lapse in intensity. United came out for the second half all guns blazing and promptly took the lead courtesy of a great striker from Mbeumo. But instead of doubling down and landing the hammer blow, they let the game bypass them and allowed their hosts to gradually get a foot in the game. Between Mbeumo’s goal and Sesko’s header that found the back of the net, they did not have a single shot on goal. Everton had 9, which also included their first equaliser.

Carrick exclaimed that they have not had a bad start to the season, and were undone by moments. And while United finally have the depth in squad to mount a genuine season challenging for four fronts, their inability to kill games and rue dropped points could very well stab them in the back in the worst possible way.