Michael Carrick has come under criticism from some Manchester United supporters after his substitutions against Everton, with Patrick Dorgu’s introduction becoming a major talking point.
Why Michael Carrick’s changes sparked debate among Man Utd supporters?
Michael Carrick has faced criticism from Manchester United supporters after the club’s 2-2 draw with Everton.
United twice took the lead but conceded a stoppage-time equaliser, with Carrick’s substitutions becoming a major focus of the post-match debate.
Rashford substitution surprises supporters
Marcus Rashford had been one of United’s most dangerous attackers before leaving the pitch in the 70th minute.
His replacement by Patrick Dorgu surprised fans, who felt United lost some of their attacking threat on the left.
Dorgu has often played in more defensive roles, leading supporters to question whether he was the right option in an advanced position.
Dorgu criticised before Everton equaliser
The criticism intensified after Everton’s late equaliser through Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Former United defender Gary Neville highlighted Dorgu’s decision to press forward, arguing that he left his defensive position and allowed Everton to play through United’s structure.
The resulting space helped Everton create the move that made it 2-2.
Some supporters blamed Dorgu’s individual decision, while others felt the wider problem was the instability caused by several late substitutions.
Rashford’s injury concern changes the context
Carrick later revealed that Rashford had “felt a little bit of something”, suggesting the substitution was not purely tactical.
That explanation means Carrick may have had little choice but to remove him.
The manager also praised Rashford’s performance and his partnership with Luke Shaw, making it unlikely that the forward was withdrawn because of poor form.
The main question is therefore whether Dorgu was the best replacement.
Mainoo substitution also questioned
Kobbie Mainoo was another player withdrawn late in the match.
Some fans questioned the decision to remove a midfielder capable of helping United retain possession while Everton were applying pressure.
Andrey Santos replaced him, while Leny Yoro, Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui were also introduced during the closing stages.
Supporters felt the number of changes may have disrupted United’s organisation when greater stability was needed.
Sesko substitution proves successful
Not every change was criticised.
Benjamin Sesko replaced Matheus Cunha and scored in the 88th minute to put United 2-1 ahead.
His impact showed that Carrick’s substitutions also produced a positive result, even though United ultimately failed to protect the lead.
United’s defensive problems remain
Neville’s concerns extended beyond Dorgu’s role.
United have conceded twice in each of their first three Premier League matches of the season, highlighting a wider defensive problem.
Carrick remained positive after the draw, insisting that United had created dangerous moments and done many things well.
His main frustration was the team’s failure to finish the match after twice putting themselves in a winning position.
Fans focus on game management
The criticism is focused less on Carrick’s position and more on his tactical decisions.
Rashford’s withdrawal had a clear physical explanation, but Dorgu’s role and the broader late-game changes remain under scrutiny.
With United already dropping points early in the season, Carrick’s next decisions are likely to receive even closer attention.
