Criticism has been levelled at several Man Utd stars after falling short against Manchester City
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United runs with the ball under pressure from Elliot Anderson of Manchester City.
Manchester United lost their second game of the season (Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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Pressure is already mounting on Michael Carrick after Manchester United's disappointing start to the season. The Red Devils fell to a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, courtesy of Erling Haaland's controversial winner.
The Norwegian finished home from close range after getting on the end of Josko Gvardiol's cross, with Enzo Fernandez attempting to convert a diving header. But the goal was initially ruled out because Haaland was deemed to be offside.
However, a VAR check ruled that the ex-Chelsea star didn't interfere with play, while Patrick Dorgu's boot kept the City striker onside, leading to the goal being given. Following full-time, Pro Ref admitted the goal shouldn't have stood, calling the decision an "error of judgment".
Haaland's strike condemned United to a second league defeat of the season, who now sit 13th in the table after four games. The home defeat saw Marcus Rashford and several of his team-mates earn criticism, while one United star enjoyed glowing praise from a City rival.
Criticism of Rashford
Manchester United legend Jaap Stam was left incensed by the lack of tracking back of Marcus Rashford, along with team-mates Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes in Sunday's defeat. The Dutchman accused the attacking quartet of not having enough intensity in the lead-up to Haaland's winner.
The former defender said: "It’s a long ball, they win it, City takes over and look at the front four [of United]. They’re just walking, they’re just looking at the situation. A team that really wants to win, the strikers, it’s about all the 11, it’s about chasing.
"Against ten men, it’s about tracking back, it’s about winning battles. From then on, you keep possession, you go out in transition and then you try to create and score goals."
Utd star singled out by rival
Kobbie Mainoo's performance at Old Trafford was one of the few positives Carrick could take away from the action. The England star came close to netting his first goal of the season after hitting the post with a long-distance strike.
Elliot Anderson of Manchester City and Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United compete for the ball
Elliot Anderson of Manchester City and Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United compete for the ball (Image: Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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The 21-year-old led his side in touches, successful passes, defensive contributions and most chances created. His showing was noticed by Manchester City's Elliot Anderson, who described his international team-mate as a "top player".
When asked how it was playing against Mainoo, the £116million man said: "It was great. It was a good battle. He's a top, top player, you know, and it's always tough playing against Kobbie, but yeah, he's a real good player and a real nice guy."
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