Man United show squad variety but are still left ruing dropped points

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

It was 15 seconds over the stipulated five minutes of added time after the full 90 minutes. The Red Devils were just seconds away from what would have been two wins in a row, setting a solid platform ahead of the all-important Manchester Derby this coming Sunday, but a frankly outrageous goal from Ainsley Maitland-Niles on his Everton debut with practically the last kick of the game means that Michael Carrick’s men are tottering at four points from a possible nine after a favourable opening slate of games.

Carrick’s face told a multitude of stories. He knew that his side could and should have won the game, but their inability to kill games and stay on top of key moments has seen them drop two more points, making it five points dropped in three 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. The attacking quartet of Marcus Rashford, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Bruno Fernandes once again showed how well 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 showcased tactical nuance as well as their ability in depth. They have enough options in the starting XI to test their opponents’ readiness to adapt, going from pace, movement, and quickness of thought to direct play and physicality.

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

However, the dropped points are already creating pressure on United this early into the season. Conceding twice in all three games to start the campaign is obviously not a good sign, while the Red Devils’ unease and uncertainty in dealing with set pieces is another issue that may become a recurring theme throughout 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 strike from Mbeumo. But instead of doubling down and landing the hammer blow, they let the game pass them by and allowed their hosts to gradually get a foot in the game. Between Mbeumo’s strike and Sesko’s late header, they did not have a single shot on goal. Everton, meanwhile, had nine, which also included their first equaliser.

Carrick exclaimed after the game that United didn’t have a bad start to the season and were undone by moments. And while United finally have the depth in the squad to mount a genuine challenge on all four fronts, their inability to kill games could very well stab them in the back in the worst possible way.