Solanke late strike denies United against 10-man Tottenham
Manchester United let a lead slip against 10-man Tottenham, with Michael Carrick admitting the Reds need more points after a 1-1 draw left them with their poorest league start since 1986.
Dominic Solanke struck in added time at Old Trafford to deny United a second league win. Bryan Mbeumo put Carrick’s side in front before Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off five minutes later in the 78th minute.
The result followed scrutiny over whether United could turn their possession into points against Spurs, as the Tottenham test facing Carrick took another frustrating turn.
United need to change direction quickly
Carrick described the display as mixed and said: “I’m not happy with he amount of points we’ve got so far, for sure, you know,”
United’s six points from six league matches mark their lowest return at this stage since 1986. The late concession was particularly costly given Tottenham were down to ten men when they found the equaliser.
The Guardian reported that supporters jeered at times during the match. Carrick said he understood the reaction, while insisting it hurt to hear it and that it came from fans who cared about the club.
| Match detail | United | Tottenham | League start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final score | 1 | 1 | Six matches |
| Key event | Mbeumo scored | Bentancur sent off; Solanke equalised | United: six points |
A poor start, and a missed chance
Tottenham arrived with three points, still winless and in the relegation zone, yet left with a share of the points. United were disjointed, and the late goal added another dropped opportunity to a season already short on league wins.
United’s recent points dropped against Fulham provide context for the growing demand for improvement, while their defensive problems under Carrick remained evident when Solanke got the better of the home side late on.
Carrick said he did not feel let down by his players, noting that mistakes happen and that the squad has standards to meet. He was clear about the urgency: “We need to put things in a direction, in a positive direction quite quickly, that’s pretty plain.”
De Zerbi praises Spurs’ response
Roberto De Zerbi backed Bentancur while acknowledging the midfielder’s reaction was a mistake and not acceptable in football. The Spurs manager said his side showed greater courage and energy after going down to ten.
“It is clear it is a mistake from Rodrigo, it is not the right reaction in football but in that moment maybe with 10 players we played with more courage, more energy,” De Zerbi said. He also described the draw as the first time this season Tottenham had played together as a team. For United, the immediate task is simpler: turn performances into points before another late setback defines the conversation.
