Everton 2–2: dropped points at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Your team coughed up a lead again. Everton 2–2 Manchester United on Sunday, and the late goal stings (7) (8). Staff takeaways from The Busby Babe put it plainly: when defending a lead, United could not get in front and close looks at goal in the final seconds to keep another rocket heading into the top corner (7). Matheus Cunha and Amad both featured, but the defensive lapses are the story fans are talking about.
Carrick still has the board's full backing
The slow start has not moved the club. United sit 11th with 4 points from three games, and Michael Carrick's job is safe (8). Former assistant Mick Brown: "He took over when they were in a bit of a state and got them into the Champions League, that has earned him his place as the manager and he will be given time" (8). A loss at Hull, a 5–2 win over Ipswich, and now a draw at Everton.
Sabah on Thursday, then the derby
The Champions League opener against Sabah FK is Thursday, September 10 at 21:00. Then the big one: Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday, September 13 at 17:30. Fans group The 1958 plan a protest outside Old Trafford before that derby over a ticketing crackdown (15).
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Academy now mirrors the first team
Michael Carrick has changed how the youth sides play. Under Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim, youth teams did not need to follow the first team's game model. That is gone now (2). The point is to make the step up smoother for young players.
Right-back and left-back: the transfer chatter
United have renewed interest in Atletico Madrid right-back Marc Pubill, an upgrade target for the role currently held by Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui (9). On the other flank, Lewis Hall looks set to sign a new Newcastle deal, which would dent United's left-back hopes (14) (3). Newcastle defender Malick Thiaw, £39m-rated, is also on the radar for a 2027 move, with Liverpool among the other suitors (1) (10) (13).
Martinez contract extended
United have activated a one-year extension in Lisandro Martinez's contract (11). That protects his market value despite his injury record.
Scholes not convinced by Baleba
Paul Scholes has doubts about Carlos Baleba being a guaranteed hit at United (4). Meanwhile former scout Bryan King is blunter: "They will not win the Premier League" with the current defence and goalkeeper (12).
McTominay's heart procedure a success
Scott McTominay's heart procedure was a complete success. The former United midfielder, now at Napoli, will rest for two weeks and then resume training, missing Napoli's Champions League opener (16).
Fan-reaktioner
Supporters are split between frustration over the Everton collapse and excitement about the derby weekend. The Lewis Hall news drew attention on r/soccer after The Times reported United contacted Newcastle directly. The most-read thread covers stewards charged over a derby assault and the new stadium clearing its next hurdle.
