Man Utd see positives despite continuing to drop points

Questions have been raised about United's lack of recruitment during the latter days of the transfer window, with no striker signed to support Sesko.

It was interesting to note Joshua Zirkzee remained on the bench for a game he could have played in for Everton had United not ruled out the prospect of the Dutch forward joining on loan because they were unable to secure a replacement.

United also opted not to bring in Rayan Ait-Nouri from Manchester City because they did not want to sign a left-back permanently to put pressure on Luke Shaw.

Shaw was one of the visitors' better performers against Everton. The England defender got forward with regularity and it was encouraging to see him provide the cross for Sesko's late header.

"He was really good," said Rooney.

"Defensively he was leading and he was good going forward as well. He looked more of a threat today in his connection with Marcus [Rashford]."

To that end, Carrick will hope the "something" Rashford felt that led to his second-half exit is not serious.

"Marcus and Luke were particularly dangerous down that side," said Carrick.

"They've played together for quite some time now and have an understanding. We're trying to build partnerships and combinations throughout the team."

Shaw has been ever-present in United's Premier League starting line-up since the start of last season.

Now though, Carrick must navigate through a tricky spell of four games in 11 days.

It is the busiest period he has had as United boss. Last term, neither of his two midweek games were followed by weekend matches.

How involved will Shaw be? If he does not play, who starts? Does Zirkzee really have a meaningful role?

Sesko, presumably, has put himself in line to start against Sabah? Or does Carrick prioritise the derby instead.

These are the unanswered questions that would always come in a campaign that could feature 60 games.

The tricky bit is navigating through, while delivering positive results.

"Not that bad" is a fair assessment after three games. But Carrick knows expectations around Manchester United are huge. We are nowhere near reaching it just yet, but there will come a point where "not that bad" will not be good enough.