Manchester United's Conceding Problem Persists, Neville: This Issue Will Not Disappear

Manchester United twice took the lead at Goodison Park but were twice pegged back, eventually drawing 2-2 with Everton. Gary Neville was deeply concerned, saying the Red Devils' problem of conceding two goals in each of their last three matches 'will not disappear.'

Michael Carrick insisted that the team's start to the season was 'not that bad,' but the reality of collecting only four points from three rounds, along with six goals conceded, made the young manager's explanation seem unconvincing. In his personal column, Neville bluntly stated: 'Manchester United concede two goals every game, and you cannot concede two goals every game. There have been constant questions about the defence during the transfer window. Manchester United had to win today, and they could not concede.'

Neville: The habit of conceding goals will follow them everywhere

What worried Neville most was not a single mistake, but the team's structural problems. He said: 'They have the burden of conceding goals, and that will not disappear. That is my fear. Conceding goals will chase them like a hunter, following them all the way. I am not sure how Carrick will deal with it, because he has already played his best back four.'

Neville questioned Carrick's substitutions late in the match: 'Why were Shaw and Dalot taken off with five minutes remaining? Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag also changed their back four. You cannot keep changing your back four. There is not much cover behind the first-choice lineup, so you cannot make those changes.'

In this match, Manchester United took the lead twice through goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, but Everton responded each time. In particular, Ainsley Maitland-Niles' 25-yard wonder strike in stoppage time turned Manchester United's three points into one point.

Maitland-Niles' wonder strike exposes Manchester United's defensive disorganization

Neville admitted it was a brilliant shot, but he was frustrated by Manchester United's lack of organization before conceding. He reviewed the goal in detail: 'Dorgu went out to press for some reason, an isolated press. The ball was played through behind Dorgu — it was a huge mistake, a lack of communication. Manchester United had to change their back four during the game. Yoro played at right-back, highlighting the issue — he was positioned too far inside.'

'A lot happened before the ball went into the net. When you are protecting a result away from home, you have to push up and not do something foolish. They could have stopped the goal at the source. I was shouting when it happened because they had to stay organized, but they had no organization in the final minutes.'

Neville added: 'The team believes they have a chance to beat Manchester United. I played for a Manchester United team back then...'

The draw left Manchester United with only four points in the standings, and they will next face Manchester City and a European competition match. Neville warned: 'This puts some pressure on Manchester United because they play Manchester City next week, and there is also a European match in midweek. Carrick is trying to build trust with the team and fans, proving he can repeat last season's achievements. Today's match should have been won. Everton were not in the game at all in the first half; Manchester United allowed them back into it.'