Manchester United could only manage a draw against 10-man Tottenham at Old Trafford with the Red Devils now said to be lacking confidence
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 10: Manchester United head coach / manager Michael Carrick during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on October 10, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has questions to answer(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick was left to bat away suggestions that Manchester United's slow start against Tottenham was due to a lack of confidence, as they drew at Old Trafford. The Red Devils gave up a 1-0 lead against the Lilywhites as the match ended all square, with accusations that Carrick's team are without self-belief.
The United boss witnessed boos at both the half-time and full-time whistle as his team continued their disappointing start to the season. The club picked up their sixth Premier League point of the season as they failed to hold on against their 10-man opponents, their lowest tally after four matches for 40 years.
With the hosts leading 1-0, Rodrigo Bentancur received his marching orders after headbutting Luke Shaw, yet United couldn't see out the victory as Dominic Solanke struck a late leveller. That saw some fierce criticism after the match.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp delivered a damning verdict on the Premier League's 12th-placed side, slamming the team's organisation. He added that the team's lack of confidence is an issue that Carrick does not have the required squad to deliver the results expected of the club.
"Brighton in the Carabao Cup, 2-0 up and lose 3-2, that is unprecedented and does not happen at Old Trafford, except it does with this team," Redknapp vented.
"I do not see enough connections in that midfield and they look devoid of any confidence, ideas, or patterns of play, playing out the back and Tottenham were just much better than them in every department, but that is just a theme this season.
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick does not believe confidence was an issue in United's slow start(Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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"Their energy levels are not good enough and they look loose going forward, there was no real structure. The squad is not good or strong enough and Michael [Carrick] needs help in that respect."
While Carrick was frustrated with the result, he did not think confidence caused United to start the game slowly. "I don't think it is lack of confidence," he said after the match.
"But a game can get away from you very quickly. We found a way right back into the game, and got ourselves in a great position - that is one of the most disappointing things."
When questioned about the boos directed at his team, he said: "It's not nice, it hurts a lot because I care about this club. But I understand the disappointment. The reality is what it is; we need to get back to winning games."