Manchester United’s frustration with Tottenham Hotspur went beyond the scoreboard on Saturday. Bryan Mbeumo gave United a 1-1 lead midway through the second half at Old Trafford, but Dominic Solanke headed a 92nd-minute equalizer that salvaged a 1-1 draw for Spurs, who finished with 10 men after Rodrigo Bentancur’s red card for head-butting Luke Shaw.
United fans had arrived hoping to mock their neighbors, who are embroiled in a scandal, with chants of “You cheating bastards, you know what you are.” Yet by the final whistle from referee Stuart Attwell, the home supporters were focused on their own team’s collapse. The damning guilty verdict in City’s case with the Premier League had taken the spotlight off United during the international break, but the frustration returned quickly once Spurs, who started the day bottom of the table, began to play with purpose. There were boos at Old Trafford after just 20 minutes.
A Late Collapse Again
“Massively disappointed with the result for sure,” was the blunt reaction after the match. “A mixed performance, to be totally honest. I think it was tough. It was challenging for the first period, definitely. 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, who did not blame his players publicly, was clear about what went wrong. “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,” said Carrick. “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.”
Solanke’s header was the third time already this season that United have conceded in stoppage time. Two of those goals, against Everton and Spurs, have cost the club four points. That pattern points to a fragile mentality and an inability to handle pressure when it matters most.
Defensive Errors and Missed Chances
Lisandro Martínez will not want to see the goal again. He appeared to hesitate as Sandro Tonali’s cross floated toward Solanke, and rather than challenging the Spurs striker, he could have headed the ball clear. Senne Lammens could also have done better.
Solanke’s goal means Spurs have joined City in scoring at Old Trafford this season after an opponent was sent off. United have now 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 sent off. In November, under Ruben Amorim, Everton won 1-0 at Old Trafford despite having Idrissa Gueye dismissed for slapping his own teammate.
“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,” said Carrick. “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.”
Baleba’s Debut Offers Hope
United improved once Carlos Baleba, the £70 million summer signing from Brighton & Hove Albion, came on just before the hour mark. His introduction brought more energy and intent to the side. On another day, his cameo would have been the story, as it offered much-needed hope for the weeks and months ahead. Instead, it was overshadowed by United’s failure to close out a match they should have won.
What Comes Next
United travel to Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, then face Leeds United next weekend. After that, they face another demanding European test at Como.
Carrick insists his biggest issue is that United have been on the wrong side of fine margins so far this season. Ron Atkinson was sacked as manager the last time United had fewer than six points after six games. Carrick is not there yet, but the pressure is building, and he needs his side to turn those fine margins in their favor quickly.