Manchester United's draw against Everton has left the team's manager, Michael Carrick, with a lot to think about. The visitors arrived on Merseyside buoyed by last weekend's thumping victory over Ipswich Town, but even in that emphatic 5-2 win, some of United's enduring deficiencies were laid bare. ESPN Soccer's Beth Lindop reports that United ceded the initiative after twice taking the lead in Sunday's 2-2 draw, which will trouble Carrick and his staff.
The manner in which United surrendered their lead twice against Everton is a concern for the team. Despite Bruno Fernandes rattling the crossbar with a fine effort in the opening exchanges, Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford went into halftime without having made a single meaningful save. United forward Bryan Mbeumo conjured up some magic just a minute into the second half, driving inside from the right flank and bending a strike into the bottom of Pickford's net. However, United failed to truly go for the jugular and paid the price when young winger Tyrique George restored parity for the hosts seven minutes from time.
A thumping late header from substitute Benjamin Sesko almost provided United with a reprieve before Everton debutant Ainsley Maitland-Niles scored a long-range, 96th-minute equalizer. This equalizer denied Carrick's side the win, with the final score being 2-2. The visit of Sabah to Old Trafford in midweek marks the club's welcome return to the UEFA Champions League but also the start of an increasingly demanding schedule.