Carrick calls for perspective after Manchester United are held by Everton

Michael Carrick says Manchester United have not made a poor start to the season despite dropping points in a 2-2 draw with Everton in the third round of the English championship.

United led twice at Everton but were unable to secure victory, with goals from Brian Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko putting Carrick’s side ahead. Everton responded through Tyrique George and Ainsley Maitland-Niles to earn a share of the points.

The result leaves Manchester United with four points from their opening three matches. They are currently 11th in the table.

Carrick, Manchester United’s head coach, offered his assessment after another game in which his team failed to turn an advantage into a win.

“We have not started the season that badly,” Carrick said.

United’s two goals were enough to put them in front on both occasions, but Everton found a response each time. The visitors ultimately had to settle for a draw after surrendering their lead late in the match.

The outcome represents another loss of points for Manchester United, who have now collected four from a possible nine. Their position in 11th reflects a start in which they have won one of their first three games, while also failing to claim victory against Everton despite scoring twice.

Mbeumo and Sesko were the players who gave United the advantage, but George and Maitland-Niles ensured that Everton avoided defeat. The home side’s late fightback denied Carrick a second win of the campaign and left both teams with a point.

For Manchester United, the draw means that their early-season record remains evenly balanced in terms of results: four points gained across three fixtures. The club will now look to build on that return and improve its position in the table.

Carrick’s comments underline his view that the opening weeks should be judged in perspective. Although United have already been involved in another match in which they dropped points, the manager believes the overall beginning has not been as damaging as the latest result might suggest.

Everton’s comeback changed the complexion of a game Manchester United had twice controlled on the scoreboard. Goals from George and Maitland-Niles prevented the visitors from taking all three points and completed a 2-2 finish.

The draw leaves Manchester United 11th after three matches, with the side still searching for greater consistency as the season continues. Carrick’s message was that the campaign has not begun badly, even though his team’s latest opportunity to claim victory slipped away in the closing stages.