Redknapp savages 'devoid' United after Solanke denies Carrick's side against 10-man Spurs

Dominic Solanke’s late equaliser earned ten-man Tottenham a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, compounding Manchester United’s miserable start to the Premier League season and prompting a wave of boos from the home support at both half-time and full-time.

Bryan Mbeumo had given United the lead, and Rodrigo Bentancur was subsequently sent off for headbutting Luke Shaw, yet Carrick’s side could not hold on. The point leaves United with just six from their opening six league matches — their worst return at this stage of the season in 40 years.

Manager Michael Carrick pushed back on the notion that a lack of confidence was to blame for a sluggish first half. “I don’t think it is lack of confidence,” he said after the final whistle. “But a game can get away from you very quickly. We found a way right back into the game, and got ourselves in a great position — that is one of the most disappointing things.”

On the boos that greeted his team, Carrick was candid. “It’s not nice, it hurts a lot because I care about this club. But I understand the disappointment. The reality is what it is; we need to get back to winning games.”

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp was far less measured in his assessment, arguing that confidence is only one of several deep-rooted problems at Old Trafford. The former midfielder pointed to structural deficiencies and questioned whether the squad is equipped to support Carrick.

“I do not see enough connections in that midfield and they look devoid of any confidence, ideas, or patterns of play,” Redknapp said. “Tottenham were just much better than them in every department, but that is just a theme this season. Their energy levels are not good enough and they look loose going forward, there was no real structure. The squad is not good or strong enough and Michael needs help in that respect.”

Redknapp also referenced United’s recent Carabao Cup collapse as evidence of a recurring pattern. “Brighton in the Carabao Cup, 2-0 up and lose 3-2 — that is unprecedented and does not happen at Old Trafford, except it does with this team.”

Former Tottenham winger Chris Waddle echoed concerns about United’s confidence, though he suggested both clubs would improve as the season progresses. “I think Tottenham looked promising there, first half they were very good,” Waddle said. “Second half Man Utd upped the tempo.” His more measured tone stood in contrast to Redknapp’s outright condemnation of a squad that currently sits 12th in the Premier League table.