Carrick Fires Back At Critics Over Man United’s Troubled Premier League Start

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has rejected suggestions that the club have endured a poor start to the new Premier League campaign, despite collecting just four points from their opening three matches.

United were held to a 2-2 draw by Everton on Sunday after Ainsley Maitland-Niles scored a late equaliser on his debut. The result came after a 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town and a defeat to newly promoted Hull City on the opening day.

Although United twice took the lead at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, they were unable to protect their advantage as Everton fought back to secure a point in stoppage time.

With Manchester City next on the fixture list, Carrick was asked whether United’s early performances represented a disappointing continuation of last season’s struggles.

The former United midfielder dismissed the concerns, insisting that the club’s campaign had not started badly.

“We haven’t started the season that bad. It’s not that bad,” Carrick said.

Carrick admitted that his players could have handled certain situations better against Everton but remained confident that the team would improve as the season progresses.

He noted that United had been close to securing all three points and described the outcome as part of the unpredictable nature of football.

The United boss also addressed the decision to substitute Marcus Rashford in the 70th minute while his side were still ahead. Carrick explained that the forward had been experiencing discomfort, prompting the decision to take him off as a precaution.

Meanwhile, Everton manager David Moyes expressed satisfaction with his team’s response but admitted that he was disappointed not to secure a home victory.

The draw extended Everton’s unbeaten start to the campaign and capped a challenging week for the club, which had been involved in uncertainty surrounding the proposed transfer of academy player Harrison Armstrong and failed to sign another striker before the transfer window closed.

Thierno Barry remains Everton’s only senior striker following Beto’s £15 million transfer to Fiorentina.

Moyes said Everton must approach matches against the Premier League’s biggest clubs with confidence, stressing that his team wants to win its home fixtures and compete with the division’s top sides.

Everton have now lost just once in their last four Premier League meetings with Manchester United since Moyes returned to the club in January 2025.

United, meanwhile, face a major test in their next league outing when they take on unbeaten Manchester City.