Manchester United's defensive struggles have become an unmistakable pattern after they conceded two goals for the third consecutive Premier League fixture, this time in a 2-2 draw at Everton on Sunday. Ainsley Maitland-Niles struck a stunning 96th-minute equaliser at Hill Dickinson Stadium to deny United victory, adding another chapter to their history of late defensive lapses on Merseyside.
The result meant United have now shipped two goals in every league match this season, a run that includes games against Hull and Ipswich, both relegated from the Premier League last term, as well as Everton, who themselves only finished above five sides in the top flight last season. By contrast, United conceded just twice combined in the equivalent fixtures a year ago, against sides promoted through similar routes.
Head coach Michael Carrick attempted to put the Everton goals into context, pointing out that both strikes, from Tyrique George and Maitland-Niles, were exceptional efforts from distance rather than symptomatic failures. "There's been two strikes from distance, two really good strikes from their point of view, so sometimes they fly in the top corner and more often than not they probably don't," he said.
However, the underlying numbers paint a worrying picture regardless of the quality of finishing. Everton registered 18 shots at goal, six of which were on target, and only four Premier League teams have allowed more shots on target than United so far this season. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens has impressed since taking over the gloves, and his performances have arguably prevented United's defensive record from being significantly worse.
Each of the three games has told a slightly different defensive story. Against Ipswich, Leif Davis scored after nutmegging and outpacing Luke Shaw, while Lisandro Martinez was culpable for an individual error that led to Ipswich's second. Hull, meanwhile, exploited United's frailties from set-pieces. Carrick acknowledged the need for improvement, saying, "The mentality is there, I think, but there's obviously things we need to get better at as a team. Obviously we can't ignore it, we need to concede less goals to give us a better chance of winning games."
Part of the issue may stem from United's recruitment priorities. The club focused heavily on strengthening their forward line last year and added a trio of midfielders this summer, but a new left-back to eventually succeed Shaw was not signed despite being identified as a need, reportedly due to budget constraints. Notably, Carrick fielded the same back four in both the Ipswich and Everton matches that started Erik ten Hag's first game in charge back in 2022, comprising Shaw, Martinez, Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot, players brought in by four different managers dating back to Louis van Gaal.
Injuries and form issues have compounded the problem. Matthijs de Ligt, considered one of United's best performers at the start of last season, has not featured since November because of a back injury. Highly-rated young defender Leny Yoro has yet to live up to expectations, while Noussair Mazraoui was dropped following the defeat at Hull, with Dalot's form offering little improvement in his place. Patrick Dorgu, meanwhile, appears to be viewed by Carrick more as a wide attacking option than a natural full-back.
There are also questions about United's tactical approach, particularly why they sat back against Everton despite their defensive vulnerabilities. Carrick's midfield revamp, featuring three new signings, has yet to provide the platform of protection the back line needs, though the return of the more defensively astute Carlos Baleba could help going forward. United also missed Casemiro's aerial presence at set-pieces during the loss to Hull.
Even prior to this run, United's defensive record under Carrick has been inconsistent. In his 20 league games as manager, United have conceded two or more goals on 10 occasions. With warning signs mounting, United will need to address these defensive issues quickly if they are to avoid a season derailed before it truly begins.
Based on reporting from The Independent.