Published Sep 7, 2026, 6:15 AM GMT+1

His side should have secured all three points during the meeting at the Hill Dickinson, subsequently leading twice before being pegged back twice by the hosts.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ last-minute strike saw the Red Devils have to settle for just a point, with the manager even stating such a goal has made the result feel like a defeat.

The side will need to pick themselves up after such a bitter blow, but there’s no denying that one player will continue to lead the club forward in their hunt for Premier League success.

Why Bruno Fernandes is still Man Utd's main man in 2026/27

Bruno Fernandes is a player who has constantly provided the goods for United over recent seasons and established himself as one of the very best attackers in European football.

You only have to cast your mind back to last weekend, as the 31-year-old netted a hat-trick and laid on an assist as the Red Devils secured a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town.

His showing during the draw against Everton yesterday was an uncharacteristically quiet one for the Portuguese international, as he failed to register a goal or an assist during the encounter.

However, his underlying stats still showcase why he’s one of Carrick’s most important players and how the club’s hopes of success rest firmly on his shoulders.

Fernandes still managed to create two chances during the draw, and made six passes into the final third - with both of the aforementioned figures higher than any other Red Devils starter.

He also registered the most shots of any player in the starting eleven, subsequently highlighting why he’s the club’s biggest asset within attacking areas of the pitch.

However, if the club are to be successful in England’s top-flight, the manager will need added players around the captain to provide the goods in forward areas.

Man Utd star could be on par with Bruno Fernandes this season

Bryan Mbeumo was one of United’s most important attacking options last season, as the winger ended his debut campaign in Manchester as the club’s joint-top scorer.

The Cameroon international has already netted once during the current campaign, with Carrick hoping that the 26-year-old can emulate his success from last season.

He and Bruno could well provide the goods in the final third for the Red Devils throughout 2026/27, but throw Marcus Rashford into the mix and you have a phenomenal attacking trio.

The academy graduate spent last season on loan at Spanish giants Barcelona, but Carrick has decided to include the 28-year-old in his senior plans for the current campaign.

The Englishman has started each of the last two outings in the Premier League and has proven himself to be a valuable asset to the Red Devils in such encounters.

Carrick’s decision to start the attacker against Everton yesterday was another impressive call, as the forward managed to impress despite failing to get on the scoresheet.

During his 70-minute display at the Hill Dickinson, Rashford was a constant threat to the opposition, as he completed three dribbles - the most of any player in the Red Devils starting XI. He was simply electric and looked back to being the player who was once United's star man.

His mazy runs led to Toffees right-back Merlin Rohl being run ragged throughout the encounter, which even led to the German being carded after hacking the winger down on the counter-attack.

Rashford also managed to create two chances at the end of his runs on Merseyside, with the Englishman creating the most chances behind club captain Fernandes. Like United's creative sensation, Rashford certainly has the ability to be a leading light at the top end of the pitch for Carrick's side.

The winger further provided an aerial threat, winning 100% of his aerial battles. In the words of journalist Sam Pilger, the England international was easily "Manchester United's best player" on the day.

Whilst he’s yet to score this term, Rashford has previously demonstrated his ability to provide the goods in attacking areas. Cast your mind back to 2022/23 and the Carrington product scored a whopping 30 goals across all competitions in 2022/23. Those are numbers that even his good mate, Bruno, can only dream of.

Carrick needs to put faith in the winger to reach such levels this term, but there’s no reason why he can’t emulate such success in the months ahead at Old Trafford.

He and Fernandes could certainly link up together in the upcoming weeks of the campaign to provide the goods in attacking areas and finally end the club’s hunt for a Premier League title.