Carrick Frustrated as Man United Draw With 10-Man Spurs

Michael Carrick said he was “deeply frustrated” after Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw by Tottenham at Old Trafford. He acknowledged that the team must collect more points, having taken only six from their first six league fixtures.

United have not endured such a poor opening to a season since 1986. Saturday’s match ended level after Dominic Solanke scored an added-time equaliser for a Spurs side reduced to 10 men. Rodrigo Bentancur received a red card in the 78th minute, five minutes after Bryan Mbeumo had put United on course for only their second league win.

Carrick said: “The outcome is extremely disappointing. Our performance was inconsistent, and I am not satisfied with the number of points we have collected. We cannot avoid that fact. A few small moments could have changed things, but we must accept the situation as it is. We need to turn things around and begin moving in a positive direction very quickly.”

United struggled to find cohesion throughout the contest. Asked whether the players had disappointed him, Carrick said: “I do not feel they have let me down because mistakes happen and circumstances can go against you. I made errors during my own playing career, and that does not necessarily mean someone has failed everybody. We all expect certain standards, including the players, and they accept responsibility when things do not go their way.”

Sections of the United support expressed their frustration during the match. “I understand those reactions when events are not unfolding as expected,” the manager said. “It is painful and unpleasant to experience, but sometimes you have to endure moments like this.”

“This club matters to me as much as it does to anyone, so emotions can occasionally spill over and lead you to say too much. However, those feelings come from a sincere place, and I understand the response.”

Bentancur risked seriously hurting Luke Shaw with a scissor-style challenge that narrowly missed its target. Roberto De Zerbi nevertheless supported his midfielder, who was dismissed for a headbutt during the confrontation that followed.

“I embraced Rodrigo and thanked him,” the Spurs manager said. “His response was clearly wrong and has no place in football. However, going down to 10 men may have encouraged us to play with greater bravery and intensity. Tottenham had lacked that spirit and determination for a long time. As the coach, I want the team to show those qualities in every match.”

Spurs remain without a victory and have collected only three points. Although they have moved away from the foot of the table, they are still inside the relegation places. De Zerbi said: “For the first time this season, we truly looked like a united team. The players supported one another and performed collectively.”