Manchester United escaped another damaging defeat at Fulham on Sunday, but Michael Carrick chose to focus on the positives after Matheus Cunha’s late equaliser secured a 1-1 draw.
United appeared destined for a third consecutive defeat after Lisandro Martinez turned the ball into his own net in the 63rd minute.
Cunha eventually rescued the visitors with a deflected effort late in the game. The result ended United’s losing run but extended their difficult start to the Premier League campaign.
United have now won only one of their first five league matches. Their display at Craven Cottage also sparked questions about their intensity, with Fulham often looking more energetic despite sitting second from bottom.
Carrick, however, rejected the suggestion that his players lacked desire.
“I didn’t think we were,” he said when asked whether United had been too passive.
The manager argued that his team controlled large parts of the first half. He also pointed out that Premier League matches naturally have periods when one side loses control.
For Carrick, the biggest positive came from the response after United fell behind.
He believes his players showed enough character to change the game and nearly snatch a winning goal before the final whistle.
“I thought we should have won the game,” Carrick said, insisting that United created enough chances to take all three points.
His comments came after a difficult week for the club. United had already lost to Manchester City in the Premier League before Brighton eliminated them from the League Cup in midweek.
Another defeat at Fulham would have increased the pressure surrounding Carrick.
Instead, Cunha’s late goal gave United a point and something positive to take into the international break.
Carrick also admitted there were areas that needed improvement. However, he maintained that Sunday’s performance offered lessons as well as encouragement.
Cunha Demands More Energy
Cunha’s post-match comments highlighted a concern that contrasted with Carrick’s assessment.
The forward admitted United improved significantly after conceding but said that level of enthusiasm should have been present from the beginning.
According to Cunha, Fulham produced more energy during the early stages of the second half, something he said United could not continue to accept.
“We cannot accept this,” the Brazilian said.
Cunha also warned that United must improve across the pitch rather than waiting until they concede before responding.
“We always play better after conceding goal, and it cannot be like this,” he added.
Carrick continues to insist that he is not focused on the pressure surrounding his position. Instead, he stressed that United’s priority must be straightforward: start winning matches.
The international break now gives the team an opportunity to regroup after a run that has produced just one Premier League victory from five games.
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