Manchester United dropped to 11th place in the Premier League table after conceding a 96th-minute goal to draw 2-2 with Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 6, 2026. Manager Michael Carrick expressed deep disappointment after his side surrendered a winning position twice during a frantic second half, leaving the visitors with one win, one draw, and one defeat from their opening three matches.
Late Equaliser Denies Manchester United Victory on Merseyside
Following a scoreless first half, Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring for United just two minutes after the restart with a solo effort. Everton struggled to break through initially before Tyrique George leveled the score in the 83rd minute. Substitute Benjamin Sesko restored United’s advantage in the 88th minute with a clinical header, putting the visitors on the verge of all three points. However, defensive lapses in stoppage time allowed Ainsley Maitland-Niles to score a spectacular debut goal from outside the penalty area in the 96th minute to rescue a point for David Moyes’ side.
Carrick Defends Early Form Despite Frustration
Speaking after the final whistle, Carrick admitted that the draw felt like a defeat given how close his team came to securing victory.
We’re bitterly disappointed,
Carrick said, as quoted by ESPN. To be up in the position we were in in the game twice so close to the end and all the work that went into putting us in that position at different stages, to come away like that is not a great feeling. It feels like a defeat which is the obvious thing to say at this stage. We have taken a point, we can’t ignore that but it feels like we should have had a lot more.
Despite the dropped points, Carrick rejected suggestions that United had made a poor start to the campaign, pointing to the fine margins of the contest. United have now conceded six goals across their opening three league fixtures and remain without a clean sheet, though the manager argued that game management in the final moments proved more costly than overall defensive structure against Everton.
Match Statistics and Injury Concerns
United controlled 55 percent of possession and completed 441 passes compared to Everton’s 386, with both teams lining up in identical 4-2-3-1 formations. However, the hosts proved more dangerous in the final third, producing 16 shots with six on target, while United managed only three shots on target. The physical contest also resulted in several cautions, with Everton’s Harrison Armstrong, Brennan Johnson, and Merlin Röhl booked alongside United defenders Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, and Diogo Dalot.
Compounding the late disappointment, Marcus Rashford was forced off after experiencing physical discomfort while combining effectively down the left flank with Shaw. Carrick confirmed that the substitution was precautionary and that the forward will need to be assessed ahead of an upcoming heavy schedule.
Heavy Schedule and Fan Reaction
The late setback triggered immediate pressure from supporters, with sections of the fanbase calling for Carrick’s dismissal on social media following the final whistle. United must quickly put the domestic frustration behind them as they shift their focus to European competition. The Red Devils face a quick turnaround before hosting Champions League debutants Sabah FK at Old Trafford, followed by a domestic Manchester Derby against Manchester City.
