Michael Carrick’s surprising determination as woeful Man Utd draw with 10-men Spurs
Michael Carrick’s Manchester United have been held at home by Tottenham – and the blame of the shocking result has to fall at his feet
Michael Carrick’s side couldn’t beat Spurs on Saturday
The last sense of optimism about the Michael Carrick era was swept away by a chorus of boos that greeted Manchester United at half-time. United hadn’t just been poor, they’re been outright torrid.
Jamie Redknapp, joking in the Sky Sports studio, said the one positive for the Red Devils is that surely the second half couldn’t be anywhere near as bad.
It was a performance of a team that already had their season wrapped up – not one that is rapidly entering free fall. There were sloppy passes in defence while Senne Lammens seemed to lose the ability to clear the ball – and, on top of all of that, they were outplayed by Tottenham.
Michael Carrick’s side were torrid during the first-half
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
United have leant on individual brilliance, if you can call it that, this season. And heading into Saturday evening, United had three weeks to work out their direction – five of their starters had remained at Carrington.
And yet, they still looked like a team lacking it, Carrick’s biggest crime is that there doesn’t seem to be any tactics on the pitch. United’s goal, again, came from some individual brilliance – this time from Bryan Mbeumo.
It was a smart turn from the Cameroonian, who lashed the ball across Antonin Kinsky into the far corner. Old Trafford almost couldn’t believe the scenario, the only reason they weren’t losing by four or five goals was Spurs were relying on Savio.
Bryan Mbeumo netted the opener
Spurs let their frustration show, Rodrigo Bentancur flew into a scissor tackle, that left Luke Shaw furious.
The England full-back rushed over and shoved Bentancur to the ground, who responded by springing up and leaning into Shaw with his head. He was sent off, Shaw was booked.
United have already lost to 10-men this season, and they couldn’t hold onto their lead as Spurs finally got the goal they deserved. Dominic Solanke, who had missed so many chances, beat Lisandro Martinez for strength and glance his header past Lammens.
Tempers flared at Old Trafford
It feels like deja vu for the Red Devils, there were similar feelings when they lost to Spurs in the Europa League final – where do they go from here.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has backed Carrick, but it is becoming increasingly obvious he might not be the right man for the job. They’re slipping down the table, and come out of Saturday night looking worse.
It really felt like Saturday was the night to get their season going, Spurs have been really poor this season, and they will now travel to north London with tails up. United stand on the brink of a tough run of game – and you wonder where Carrick will be come Christmas.
