The 2-2 draw against Everton provided another uncomfortable reminder that while United can produce dangerous moments going forward, there are still serious questions about their ability to defend a lead and close out matches.
United twice found themselves ahead at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring shortly after half-time, and Benjamin Sesko restored the advantage late in the game. Yet Everton refused to go away, with Tyrique George equalising before Ainsley Maitland-Niles produced a spectacular stoppage-time strike to rescue a point for the hosts. United’s official report confirmed that Maitland-Niles’ 96th-minute goal denied Michael Carrick’s side the victory.
And this is where the frustration really begins.
Everton’s defenders looked willing to throw themselves in front of everything. Jarrad Branthwaite in particular produced several important interventions, including a superb tackle on Marcus Rashford, while James Tarkowski brought the experience, physicality and aggression that made life difficult for United’s attackers.
At times, it felt as though Everton’s defenders wanted the battle more.
That should concern United.
Because when an opponent’s back line is fighting for every tackle, winning duels and putting their bodies on the line, United’s defenders have to match that mentality. You cannot expect your attackers to continually rescue games when the defence keeps giving opponents opportunities to stay alive.
The most worrying part is the pattern.
United have now conceded two goals in each of their first three league matches, according to match analysis following the Everton draw.
That is not a small issue.
It is a structural problem.
The attack has already shown enough quality to score goals. Mbeumo has made an immediate impact, Sesko has shown his ability to influence games late, and Fernandes remains capable of creating something from nothing.
But what happens when the attack does its job and the defence cannot protect the advantage?
That is exactly what happened against Everton.
United were minutes away from leaving with three points, only for a defensive lapse to give Maitland-Niles the opportunity to unleash a sensational long-range effort. Reuters reported that Carrick was left frustrated by the late equaliser after United had controlled significant portions of the match.
And that is the painful reality for United supporters.
You cannot build a serious Premier League team around the idea that you simply need to score more than the opposition every single week.
Eventually, the defence has to become reliable.
Tarkowski and Branthwaite should not leave United fans wishing their own defenders showed the same level of commitment. But after watching Everton repeatedly throw themselves into challenges and then seeing United surrender a winning position in stoppage time, it is understandable why supporters are asking serious questions.
The talent is there.
The attacking threat is there.
But defensively, Manchester United still look vulnerable.
And until that changes, every comfortable-looking lead will come with the same question hanging over it:
Can this defence actually hold on?