Carrick explains reason for substituting Rashford for Man United; denies poor start and targets Champions League opening win

In the final stages of Manchester United's match against Everton, Carrick substituted the threatening Rashford and Luke Shaw in an attempt to preserve the lead, but Everton scored in stoppage time to earn a draw. Rashford was replaced by Patrick Dorgu in the 70th minute, while Luke Shaw came off during added time.

After the match, Carrick stressed that Rashford was substituted because he was feeling physically uncomfortable. Broadcast footage also showed that before the substitution, Rashford had run to the touchline to ask the medical team for an energy supplement.

Carrick said: "Why did we take Marcus (Rashford) off? He was feeling a little uncomfortable at that moment. He was excellent, and as I said last week, he has performed well since returning. I thought he was still in good form today and was a threat. Maybe he did not take his final chance, but even so, I think he created many good opportunities and was dangerous throughout the match."

Manchester United faced two promoted teams and Everton, who had only registered 18 outfield players, in their first three league matches of the season, yet managed just one win, one draw and one defeat. They have conceded two goals in every match, which has happened only for the second time in the past 50 years, with the other instance being the 2020/21 season.

Carrick admitted that he was also disappointed. "We are disappointed, very disappointed. We were ahead twice, so close to winning, and put in a lot of effort, but to lose the victory like that at the end is very frustrating. It feels terrible, almost like a defeat. But we still got one point, and perhaps that is a point we cannot ignore. Of course, we should have got more."

Carrick insisted that there is no problem with Manchester United's mentality, although the defence must improve. "The mentality is fine. Of course, as a team, there are areas where we need to improve. Those two long-range shots, from their perspective, were both excellent finishes. Sometimes your shots fly into the top corner, but more often they do not, so there is an element of luck. Of course, we cannot ignore the fact that the team needs to concede fewer goals to improve our chances of winning. We will analyse this seriously and continue to improve."

The Manchester United manager did not explain in detail what areas could be improved, but he insisted that the team's start was not poor. Carrick said: "When you look back at the match, you will certainly find many things that could have been done differently, but sometimes the opponent scores a shot into the corner and that is just how it is. Our start was not that bad, honestly, and we will get better."

Carrick has now promised fans that Manchester United will prove themselves at home in Thursday's Champions League match and Sunday's Manchester derby. In particular, against Azerbaijan side Shabab Baku in their first Champions League match after returning to the competition, the Red Devils are determined to win. Carrick said: "Thursday's game and next Sunday's game will be completely different. I think there are many positive things from today that we should keep, and there were many highlights in the match. We have also learned from the games against Hull City and Ipswich Town. Of course, there are areas we need to improve, and this is ongoing work. We will prepare for Thursday's match."

After more than two years away, the Red Devils will return to Champions League action this week. Carrick's next challenge is handling a demanding schedule of four matches in 11 days, the busiest period since he took charge of Manchester United. Last season, during Carrick's time in charge, there were only two midweek matches, and neither was followed by weekend fixtures.

Carrick now needs to rotate his squad for the Champions League match against Shabab Baku, as some of his key players may not be able to handle two matches in a week. After the Champions League game against Shabab Baku on September 11, Manchester United will host Manchester City in the Premier League on September 13, face Brighton at home in the League Cup on September 17, and travel to Fulham on September 20, with no more than three days between matches.