Michael Carrick's decision to stick with a midfield trio of Youri Tielemans, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes backfired as Manchester United were fortunate to escape with a 1-1 draw against Tottenham. Spurs created several big chances and dominated the midfield battle before Bryan Mbeumo's strike was cancelled out by a stoppage-time equaliser from Dominic Solanke.
Midfield struggles evident early
United looked off the pace from the start, with the same problems that plagued the Fulham draw resurfacing. During a concerning 20-minute period, Tottenham broke through the lines and easily bypassed Mainoo, Tielemans and Fernandes. The home crowd voiced their frustration as Spurs looked fitter, sharper and more agile.
Carlos Baleba, fit enough to be named on the bench at Fulham, had another three weeks of training under his belt, yet Carrick again selected Tielemans, who had started every other Premier League game. The lack of legs in central midfield was an obvious issue, and it showed as Tottenham's intensity overwhelmed United.
Baleba's introduction changes the game
Baleba received warm applause as he warmed up eight minutes into the second half, and when he replaced Tielemans, the United support gave him a standing ovation. His first contribution was a skilful turn under pressure and an ambitious pass over the top to Fernandes, which only added to the frustration that he had not started.
The 22-year-old quickly got stuck in, receiving a warning from the referee shortly after coming on. United then took the lead through Mbeumo, who fashioned a yard of space in the box and found the bottom right with a deadly finish. Tottenham had created several big chances, including a handful at the start of the second half, and their chances of responding diminished when Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off.
Late equaliser punishes Carrick
United were on course to get away with a poor performance until Solanke produced an equaliser in added time, a hammer blow for Carrick but a deserved goal for Roberto de Zerbi, who celebrated wildly on the touchline. Carrick may point to Baleba's fitness as the reason Tielemans got the nod, but the evidence of the second half proved that a half-fit Baleba would have been an upgrade.
United picked up five points in their first five games with the trio of Tielemans, Mainoo and Fernandes, but that combination does not work. Baleba can provide the running power, energy and defensive nous the midfield has been lacking, and he must start against Atletico Madrid.
