Despite playing the majority of the match against a 10-man Manchester City after Phil Foden was sent off in the 23rd minute, Manchester United fell to a 1-0 defeat in the season's first installment of the Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
Erling Haaland's 60th minute winner for City was just as controversial as the incident that led to Foden being given his marching orders. There was a marginal offside decision that went in City's favor for the goal and opinions are split as to whether Bruno Fernandes should've also been punished for his involvement in the incident with Foden, but City are the side that ultimately gained a massive three points.
United had their fair share of chances in the match, and 3 of their 16 shots were on frame. Bryan Mbemuo nearly saved a point for United right at the death, but Gianluigi Donnarumma made a brilliant save to deny Cameroon international.
In addition to Mbemuo's late chance, Marcrus Rashford hit the post in the first half from a free kick and Kobbie Mainoo was also denied by the woodwork in the second half, but it just wasn't to be for the Red Devils, as they suffered their second league defeat of the season.
Did Michael Carrick Wait Too Long To Make Changes?
After Foden was sent off, the impetus was on United to go on the offensive and dominate the lion's share of possession, but Carrick did not make the decision to bring on any more attacking players at the halftime break.
Rather, he left his same starting eleven on the pitch and chose not necessarily to sacrifice a defensive or holding player, though Enzo Maresca had brought on Iliman Ndiaye for Rayan Cherki to start the second half.
Carrick finally made the decision to throw on more attacking firepower when he brought on Benjamin Sesko for Youri Tielemans in the 67th minute; shortly after Haaland's goal for City. The only other change United made was bringing on Joshua Zirkzee for Rashford in the 83rd minute, perhaps leaving it a bit too late for the striker to have made any impact on proceedings.
United Fans Unhappy With Carrick's Waiting
After the match, United fans vented their frustrations with their manager having waited for what they felt was too long to bring on a legitimate striker against the 10 men of City. Carrick has been opting for Matheus Cunha starting as his most advanced player, though the Brazilian is not an outright, natural number nine type of striker.
One fan on X wrote: "Why did it take so long to sub Sesko on?"
Another supporter said: "There's nothing more I hate about this Michael Carrick with this false 9 nonsense he keeps playing when we have a very solid striker in Šeško on the bench."
One added: "Always overthinking tactics. Rashford and Cunha must not start all games."
Another replied: "We need a focal point up front. This no striker system isn't working at all."
One said: "I'm pretty sure Sesko is fully fit now, so I don't get why he isn't starting games. He's so much better than Cunha as a 9 and he's been scoring goals with limited minutes. It's honestly baffling."
It will be back to the drawing board for Carrick as United will try to salvage their Premier League form before the international break at Fulham with a Carabao Cup tie against Brighton and Hove Albion beforehand.
With two matches coming up in the span of just four days, Carrick will have to make rotations, but it will be interesting to see if he gives Sesko a start at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
