Manchester United ought to have beaten Spurs, and failing to do so reveals how deep the trouble runs for Carrick and his staff

Manchester United fans who came to Old Trafford on Saturday hoping to enjoy Manchester City’s scandal left disappointed, because they have too many problems of their own. United drew 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur after Dominic Solanke scored a 92nd-minute equalizer, even though Spurs had been reduced to 10 men.

The home crowd sang “You cheating bastards, you know what you are” before kickoff. When Bryan Mbeumo gave United the lead midway through the second half, the fans added a dig at Spurs with “You’re going down with the City.” Those jibes soon faded. By the time referee Stuart Attwell blew the final whistle, supporters were focused on how Tottenham had found a late equalizer after Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off for head-butting Luke Shaw.

A Nervous Performance and a Familiar Problem

United struggled to control the match for long stretches. Spurs, who began the day at the bottom of the table, started brightly and were the better side for much of the first half. Boos rang out at Old Trafford after only 20 minutes.

Head coach Michael Carrick was candid after the game. “Massively disappointed with the result for sure,” he said. “A mixed performance, to be totally honest. I think it was tough. It was challenging for the first period, definitely.”

He pointed to an improvement after the break. “There was a big improvement through the second half as it progressed and we put ourselves in such a good position towards the end of the game. To then not see it through — we should find a way of seeing that through.”

The result leaves United with their worst start to a season after six games since 1986. Carrick has not been quick to blame his players, and he chose not to do so again in his post-match news conference. Still, the pressure on him is growing.

Late Goals and Lost Points

Solanke’s header was the third time already this season that United have conceded in stoppage time. Two of those late goals, against Everton and Spurs, have cost them four points in total. Carrick acknowledged the pattern.

“It’s a couple of times now when — different ways, obviously — that’s two late, late goals against us to throw away two wins really,” Carrick said. “That changes a lot of things, you know. It changes a lot of feelings for ourselves and it changes points and what [the table] looks like. We need to do better with seeing out games, that’s for sure, once we get ourselves in a good position.”

The concern goes beyond one result. The repeated late collapses suggest a fragile mentality and an inability to handle pressure when it matters most.

Defender Lisandro Martínez will not want to watch the goal again. He let Sandro Tonali’s cross float toward Solanke without challenging him effectively. Instead of trying to head the ball clear, he moved around the Spurs striker. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens could also have done better.

Struggling Against Ten Men

Solanke’s goal means Spurs have now joined Manchester City in scoring at Old Trafford this season after having a player sent off. United have failed to win any of their past three games against teams with 10 men. In March, they lost 2-1 at Newcastle United after Jacob Ramsey was dismissed. In November, under Ruben Amorim, Everton beat United 1-0 at Old Trafford despite having Idrissa Gueye sent off for slapping his own teammate.

Carrick stressed the need to close out matches. “It’s definitely something where — 10 men or not 10 men — if we’re ahead in the game, we’ve got to see games out,” he said. “Whether that’s taking the ball, whether that’s controlling the game a little bit more, looking after the ball better in their half and around their box and pinning them in a little bit, or whether that’s defending moments better. Certainly, we need to improve that.”

The last time United had fewer than six points after six games, Ron Atkinson was sacked as manager. Carrick is not there yet, but the pressure is mounting.

A Winning Debut Overshadowed

The arrival of Carlos Baleba, a £70 million summer signing from Brighton & Hove Albion, offered a glimmer of hope. He was introduced for the first time just before the hour mark, and United’s energy and intent began to improve. His cameo was a positive debut, but it was overshadowed by United’s failure to hold on to a game they should have won.

What Comes Next

United travel to Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, then head to Leeds United next weekend. After that, they face another tough European test at Como.

Carrick insists his biggest issue is that United keep falling on the wrong side of fine margins this season. He needs that to change quickly if the club is going to start moving in the right direction.