Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks on
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks on
Manchester United threw away two leads against Everton at the weekend, including a last-minute equaliser from Ainsley Maitland-Niles to end the game 2-2.
There were certainly some positives to take from the game for Michael Carrick, but he'll be incredibly disappointed with their defensive vulnerabilities.
Man United opened the scoring through Bryan Mbeumo, who cut in from the right-hand side to finish expertly in the far corner.
Everton equalised in the second half as Tyrique George hit a thunderous strike into the top corner, beating Senne Lammens at his near post.
United then took the lead once again as Benjamin Sesko headed home from a Luke Shaw cross, with the Red Devils seemingly taking all three points back to Manchester.
That wasn't the end of the story, however, as Maitland-Niles fired home from range into the top corner to secure an equaliser in the final seconds.
Carrick would learn a lot from the game, and here is what we learned about every player who started against Everton.
Senne Lammens
In truth, we learned very little about Lammens. It was a fine performance, and two fantastic strikes he was forced to pick out of the back of the net. Perhaps we learned that he needs to be a little more commanding of his box.
There was a moment when the ball dropped to Thierno Barry from a few yards out, when Everton wanted a penalty, and there was no reason he shouldn't have been able to come out and collect.
Diogo Dalot
Dalot faces George
Dalot faces George
Diogo Dalot does struggle against certain types of wingers, and Everton's George was certainly one of them at the weekend.
George turned Dalot inside out regularly, leading to the Portuguese defender being booked and hooked. He needs to improve if he wants to keep his place, and he might not be a guaranteed starter going forward.
Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez's height might not be a problem for him, winning all three of his aerial duels. We learned that he is a little more vulnerable when the ball is at the feet of his marker, losing all of his ground duels and being dribbled past twice.
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire got himself booked needlessly, running over to the referee to appeal about a decision against Bruno Fernandes. He picked up four cards from 19 starts last season, and seven from 19 the previous year.
Maguire can get easily frustrated unnecessarily, which could cost United down the line with suspensions.
Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw
United's left-hand side was crucial against Everton, and he kept Brennan Johnson quiet all game. He also showed that he's still capable of bombing on down the left, creating United's second goal and also linking up superbly with Marcus Rashford.
Youri Tielemans
Youri Tielemans keeps United ticking, but he can struggle with the defensive side of the game. His lack of pace allowed Everton to drive through central areas at times, and it's clear that United need a more physical body in the middle of the park.
Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw
Kobbie Mainoo
We learned once again that Kobbie Mainoo needs to be a mainstay in the United midfield. Although they've strengthened significantly in the middle of the park, Mainoo has been the standout midfielder.
Bryan Mbeumo
We learned that United need to get Mbeumo involved in the game more. He showed with his goal what a threat he can be on the right-hand side, but he touched the ball just 39 times. That's less than Matheus Cunha, who was substituted.
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford
Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford
If Bruno Fernandes doesn't perform, United struggle. Fernandes masked over United's defensive vulnerabilities against Ipswich by bagging a hat-trick and setting up another. If he's unable to do that, United find it incredibly difficult to win games.
Marcus Rashford
We learned that Marcus Rashford could be United's most effective attacker. He tore apart Merlin Rohl all game, and was arguably United's best player. There was plenty of talk of him leaving, but United need to be doing everything they can to continue getting the best out of him.
Matheus Cunha
Matheus Cunha simply isn't as effective as a striker. It's going to be difficult to fit all of United's attacking options in the team, but Benjamin Sesko is undoubtedly the better option through the middle of attack.