United View: Late strike sinks Carrick's Reds

After the opening three games of their 2026/27 Premier League season, Manchester United have racked up just four points. 

While there are still some reasons to be positive, most supporters will be disappointed with this tally, especially considering the Reds have faced two newly promoted sides. 

Michael Carrick’s men were seconds away from making it six points from a possible nine, which would have been far more respectable, but a late stunner from Everton new boy Ainsley Maitland-Niles saw the visitors drop two points in cruel fashion at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. 

United were leading in Merseyside on two occasions, firstly through Bryan Mbuemo, whose superb finish was cancelled out by Tyrick George, before substitute Benjamin Sesko looked to have won it for a second year running, only for another piece of late drama. 

With bodies aplenty in the visiting penalty area, the ball fell to the unmarked Maitland-Niles on the edge, who unleashed the strike of his life to leave Lammens rooted to the spot and draw the Toffees level in the sixth minute of injury time. 

A tough one to take for Carrick’s men, who did more than enough to win the game throughout the 90 minutes. 

But there is absolutely no time to dwell on Sunday’s events, with the Reds straight back in action in midweek as Champions League football returns to Old Trafford for the first time since 2023. 

Azerbaijani champions Sabah await in matchday one, who are making their European debut after overcoming a lengthy qualifying campaign. 

The disparity between the two clubs is staggering, with Sabah’s total playing squad worth a combined 18 million euros. 

To put that into perspective, this is less than the current estimated market value of Joshua Zirkzee, who was deemed surplus to requirements this summer. 

The club also celebrated its ninth birthday this week, having only been founded in 2017, mid way through Jose Mourinho’s United reign. 

That said, United underestimating their opposition would be extremely foolish, with compatriots Qarabag proving Azerbaijani sides can more than hold their own in Europe’s elite competition. 

The side from Baku progressed to the knockout stage last season for the first time in their history, picking up an eye-catching win away at Portuguese giants Benfica on the way. 

Sabah will be hoping for a similar fate, but will no doubt just be happy to be there at the Theatre of Dreams, with a result being a bonus. 

What is for sure, is that we will see some changes to Carrick’s XI, with the small matter of the Manchester derby on the horizon. 

Thursday’s UCL opener may provide an opportunity for some fringe players to show their worth, as well as giving key players a rest for Sunday’s blockbuster clash at Old Trafford. 

Benjamin Sesko will surely make his first start of the season, and I also expect summer signing Andrey Santos to return to the side. 

Elsewhere, you would assume there will be changes to the back line, with Leny Yoro – whose opportunities have been limited – potentially coming in. 

Moving onto the derby, I’m significantly less confident than I was a few weeks ago, considering United’s nightmare start to the campaign, and City picking up four wins from four in all competitions. 

While the Blues are under new management and don’t possess the same ‘fear factor’ as they did under Pep Guardiola’s stewardship, they still pose threats from a number of areas. 

Keeping Earling Haaland quiet is always easier said than done, and with the unpredictability of Rayan Cherki – who has been electric so far this season – paired with their £250m midfield duo, City are definitely favourites going into the meeting. 

United can however take inspiration from last season’s fixture, in which Carrick announced his arrival with a comfortable 2-0 victory. 

A similar result now seems a necessity considering United’s indifferent start to the campaign, and would certainly ease nerves among supporters, much like it did last time around.