Carrick voices frustration with Manchester United's points return after Spurs draw

Michael Carrick called for Manchester United to improve quickly after their 1-1 draw with Tottenham on October 10. The manager said six points from the opening six league games was an unsatisfactory return.

The Guardian described the start as United's poorest since 1986. At Old Trafford, the hosts lost their lead despite having an extra player after Rodrigo Bentancur's dismissal in the 78th minute. Dominic Solanke equalised in stoppage time.

Carrick described the performance as mixed but rejected the suggestion that his players had let him down. He said mistakes happen and players acknowledge when they fall short of their own standards.

He also said he understood supporters' frustration after sections of the crowd jeered during the game. Experiencing that reaction was painful, he said, but understandable when performances fail to meet expectations.

Tottenham coach Roberto De Zerbi acknowledged that Bentancur's reaction, which led to a red card for a head-butt during a confrontation, was wrong. However, he praised his team's courage and energy after the dismissal and said he wanted that character in every match.

Spurs remain without a league victory and have three points. De Zerbi said the match was the first this season in which his players had demonstrated a collective effort and played for one another.