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Michael Carrick admitted Manchester United’s 2-2 draw against Everton felt like a defeat after his side let in a 96th-minute equaliser at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Red Devils boss also stood by his team’s beginning to the season, despite losing important away points on Merseyside.

Late equaliser leaves United frustrated

Carrick made no attempt to hide his disappointment after United conceded in the 96th minute to draw 2-2 with Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Ainsley Maitland-Niles struck late for the home side, denying the visitors all three points on Merseyside.

The Red Devils had gone in front twice during the game, with substitute Benjamin Sesko scoring in the 88th minute to put them on course for victory. But Maitland-Niles’ late goal meant Carrick’s team had to be content with a single point. The result leaves United 11th in the Premier League table, with one win, one draw and one defeat from their first three matches.

Carrick reflects on painful late setback

Speaking after the final whistle, Carrick said the result felt like a loss given the effort his players had put in across the match. He underlined how frustrating it was to give away their advantage so near the end.

“We’re bitterly disappointed,” Carrick said. “To be up in the position we were in in the game twice so close to the end and all the work that went into putting us in that position at different stages, to come away like that is not a great feeling.

“It feels like a defeat which is the obvious thing to say at this stage. We have taken a point, we can’t ignore that but it feels like we should have had a lot more.”

Defending the season start

In spite of the frustration, Carrick defended his side’s overall opening to the campaign. He dismissed the idea that United had begun the season poorly and remained upbeat about the team’s progress.

“We haven’t started the season that bad, to be honest,” Carrick added. “It’s not that bad. We were that close to coming away with three points today. That’s football. There are little moments we could deal with better but we’ll be fine.”

Heavy schedule awaits for Red Devils

United now have to move on quickly from the Everton setback as attention turns to European action. They open their Champions League campaign against Sabah FK at Old Trafford on Thursday.

After their European opener, Carrick’s side face another major domestic challenge at the weekend. They will host rivals Manchester City in an important Premier League Manchester Derby.