Manchester United showed enough promise at Everton to take some positives from their 2-2 draw. However, the result also exposed problems that Michael Carrick must solve quickly.

Benjamin Sesko opened his season with his first goal after a delayed start caused by a shin injury. Kobbie Mainoo also continued to impress, while goalkeeper Senne Lammens showed strong mental resilience.

Marcus Rashford returned to the team with renewed purpose. Yet United still dropped two points after conceding twice.

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The result means United have taken just four points from their first three Premier League matches. They have also conceded two goals in each game.

That record will concern Carrick, especially after a pre-season designed to prepare the team for a demanding campaign.

United now face Sabah FK in their Champions League return before meeting Manchester City. The busy schedule offers little time to correct their weaknesses.

Carrick Sees Positives Despite Frustration

Carrick played down concerns about United’s start after the Everton match.

“It’s not that bad, you know,” he said.

The United manager felt his team came close to securing all three points. However, he admitted that several key moments cost them the victory.

“It feels like a defeat,” Carrick said.

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United controlled large parts of the match and took the lead twice. Everton responded with two powerful strikes to deny the visitors.

Former United captain Wayne Rooney also saw plenty of encouragement in the performance.

Rooney praised United’s midfield and said the team showed greater control away from home. He also felt United deserved more from the match.

Manchester United Must Cut Defensive Errors

United’s biggest concern remains their defensive record.

Everton equalised twice with long-range efforts. Tyrique George produced the first with a powerful strike, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles scored a late goal on his debut.

Maitland-Niles became the first Everton player to score from outside the penalty area on his Premier League debut.

Carrick accepted that United must improve defensively.

“We need to concede fewer goals to give us a better chance of winning games,” he said.

The manager argued that both Everton goals came from excellent strikes. Still, he knows United cannot rely on that explanation every week.

A team that concedes twice in every league match will struggle to challenge for major honours.

Rooney Praises Luke Shaw and Rashford

Luke Shaw provided another positive for United.

The England defender started his third consecutive Premier League match and looked dangerous going forward. He also delivered the cross that allowed Sesko to score his late header.

Rooney praised Shaw’s defensive work and his attacking contribution.

“He was really good,” Rooney said.

Shaw also developed a strong connection with Rashford on the left side. Carrick highlighted their understanding and believes the partnership can become an important part of United’s attack.

However, Rashford left the pitch in the second half after feeling something. Carrick will hope the issue does not prove serious.

Ashley Young also praised Shaw’s performance. He highlighted the defender’s overlapping runs and ability to put opposing defences under pressure.

United Face a Difficult 11-Day Schedule

Carrick now faces one of his busiest periods as Manchester United manager.

United will play four matches in 11 days. The Champions League return against Sabah FK comes first, followed by the Manchester derby against City.

The schedule will force Carrick to make important decisions.

How much will Shaw play? Will Joshua Zirkzee receive a bigger role? Can Sesko start both matches?

United also need to manage their squad carefully as the season becomes more demanding.

The club could play as many as 60 matches across the campaign. Squad depth will therefore become increasingly important.

Pressure Builds at Old Trafford

United’s 2-2 draw at Everton offered reasons for optimism. Sesko scored, Shaw performed well and the midfield showed control.

But the defensive problems remain difficult to ignore.

Carrick described the start as “not that bad”. That assessment may be fair after three games.

However, expectations at Manchester United remain extremely high.

The club now enters a demanding stretch of the season. Positive results will matter just as much as promising performances.

If United continue conceding two goals per game, “not that bad” will soon stop being good enough.