Manchester United's afternoon took a frustrating turn as they were pegged back by Everton in stoppage time, with the disappointment compounded by fresh concerns over the fitness of Marcus Rashford.
Head coach Michael Carrick confirmed that Rashford's second-half withdrawal was precautionary rather than tactical, with the forward reporting discomfort during the match. The substitution came as something of a surprise given Rashford had largely dominated his battle with Merlin Rohl throughout the contest.
"Yeah, he was feeling a bit of something," Carrick told reporters after the match. He was quick to praise the England international's recent form, adding: "He's done very well. As I said during the week, he's done ever so well since he came back. I thought he looked really sharp again today and dangerous."
Despite failing to find the target himself, Rashford was credited by his manager for the threat he posed throughout the ninety minutes. "That final little moment didn't quite drop for him, but nevertheless, I thought he created really good opportunities, and there was a big threat throughout the game," Carrick said.
The fitness scare now casts doubt over Rashford's availability for United's return to Champions League action on Thursday night, when Sabah travel to Old Trafford. Carrick and his coaching staff will assess the winger in the coming days before making a final call on his involvement in that European fixture.
Beyond the injury news, Carrick was left to reflect on a result that will sting for some time. United twice held the lead against Everton, only to be pegged back on both occasions, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles delivering the final blow with a stoppage-time equaliser that denied the hosts what had looked like a hard-earned victory.
"Yeah, we're disappointed, bitterly disappointed," Carrick admitted. "To be up in the position we were in, [leading] the game twice and so close to the end."
The United boss acknowledged the effort his players had put in to establish their advantage, only to see it slip away in the closing stages. "And all of the work that went into putting us in that position at different stages, to then come away like that leaves us… yeah, it's not a great feeling," he said.
While Carrick was careful not to dismiss the point entirely, his overriding sentiment was one of missed opportunity. "Feels like a defeat, bit of a cliché, the obvious thing to say at this stage, but we have taken a point and we can't ignore that, but it feels like we should have a lot more," he explained.
The result leaves United to regroup quickly, with little time to dwell on the dropped points before shifting focus to continental competition. Thursday's visit of Sabah marks the club's return to the Champions League stage, and Carrick will be eager to see his side respond with the kind of performance that eluded them in the final moments against Everton.
Much may hinge on whether Rashford is passed fit in time, given the impact he has had since returning to the side. For now, the club will monitor his recovery closely as they prepare for a demanding week of fixtures on both domestic and European fronts.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport.