Man Utd miss attacking spark against Everton as Ezri Konsa for Arsenal - Premier League hits and misses

Michael Carrick responded to a question about Manchester United's disappointing start to the season in a relaxed manner. "It's not that bad," he insisted, smiling at the assessment after only three gamed played. He's right to point out how early it is in the campaign.

But what he can't defend is how poorly his side have imposed themselves on two newly promoted teams and Everton. For just the second time in the last 50 years, Man Utd have conceded two goals in each of their first three outings.

None of those opponents - Hull, Ipswich or Everton - are expected to be prolific scorers this term. Carrick's side will face much sterner tests. They play the Manchester derby next weekend, in fact. And have issues at both ends to address before they do.

The spark is missing. Carrick put his head down in sheer disbelief after his side were twice pegged back by worldie strikes at the Hill Dickinson, but the question that needs answering is why Everton were invited back in in the first place. United were the more creative side but often ran out of gas by the final third.

Everton's xG value was greater by the close and they managed double the amount of shots on target (six). The hosts covered more distance and completed more sprints, too.