Michael Carrick frustrated as Man Utd concede dramatic 96th-minute Everton equaliser

Michael Carrick was left frustrated after Manchester United surrendered a late lead to draw 2-2 with Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

United twice moved ahead during a frantic second half and appeared set to secure their first away victory of the Premier League season when Benjamin Sesko scored in the 88th minute.

However, Ainsley Maitland-Niles produced a stunning equaliser from outside the penalty area in the 96th minute to rescue Everton a point.

Bryan Mbeumo initially put United ahead before Tyrique George equalised for Everton in the 83rd minute.

Sesko restored the visitors' advantage five minutes later, but Carrick's side were unable to protect it.

“We are disappointed that we didn't come away with a win,” Carrick told BBC Match of the Day.

The United boss was encouraged by much of the performance but admitted his team allowed Everton to apply too much pressure during the closing stages.

“I thought there were a lot of good things in that game for us,” he said. “We played some good football and looked dangerous at times.”

United have now conceded six goals across their opening three Premier League fixtures and are still waiting for their first clean sheet.

Carrick nevertheless believes the defensive performance against Everton was different from United's previous problems.

“They were two great strikes, to be fair,” he said of Everton's goals. “We didn't give them clear chances.”

Carrick felt his team defended the penalty area effectively for most of the contest, arguing that the bigger failure was their inability to manage the closing minutes from a winning position.

“Today was different from the others; it was about finishing the game off more than anything because we were in a really good position.”

Another concern came when Marcus Rashford was forced off after causing problems alongside Luke Shaw down United's left.

Carrick confirmed the substitution was precautionary after Rashford experienced some discomfort.

“He felt a little bit of something, so we had to change him,” Carrick told Sky Sports.

The United boss was particularly encouraged by Rashford's combination with Shaw, describing the pair as “really dangerous” because of their longstanding understanding.

For United, however, an encouraging attacking performance was ultimately overshadowed by another costly defensive ending.

United's immediate attention will turn to Rashford's fitness and whether his problem is serious enough to affect his availability for their next fixture.

Carrick also has a clear tactical issue to address. United have demonstrated considerable attacking threat, including five goals against Ipswich and two more at Everton, but their defensive record is undermining that progress.

Turning winning positions into victories and finding a first clean sheet of the campaign will now be priorities for Carrick as United attempt to build early-season momentum.