Manchester United’s struggles continued at Craven Cottage on Sunday as Fulham held Michael Carrick’s team to a 1-1 draw, leaving the manager under increasing pressure.
United arrived desperate for a response after back-to-back defeats. Instead, they produced another unconvincing display and needed a late deflection to avoid losing again.
Fulham took control after the interval and went ahead through an unfortunate own goal. Calvin Bassey’s powerful effort was initially kept out by Senne Lammens, but Lisandro Martinez’s attempted clearance went badly wrong and sent the ball into his own net.
The goal summed up an afternoon in which United repeatedly looked vulnerable.
Cunha eventually prevented another defeat when he struck in the 89th minute. His effort from outside the box changed direction after hitting David Affengruber, wrong-footing Bernd Leno and finding the net.
The equaliser gave United some relief, but the performance offered Carrick little comfort.
United have now recorded only one victory in their last five Premier League matches. They have also fallen 10 points behind leaders Manchester City and suffered three defeats in seven games across all competitions.
The latest result has intensified questions surrounding Carrick’s position.
The former United midfielder has maintained that he is not distracted by speculation about his future. However, the pressure has grown following a difficult run that includes defeats against Manchester City and Brighton.
United were beaten by City in last weekend’s derby after Erling Haaland scored the decisive goal. The referees’ governing body later admitted that the goal should not have been allowed.
Just days later, United threw away a two-goal advantage against Brighton in the League Cup third round.
Their trip to Fulham brought another frustrating performance.
The hosts could have taken the lead early when Gonzalo Garcia fired wide after finding space in a dangerous area.
United responded with chances of their own. Bruno Fernandes forced Leno into a strong save with a fierce effort after Martinez created the opening.
Fernandes then came even closer when his shot struck the post following a pull-back from Cunha.
Fulham, however, remained dangerous.
Josh King tested Lammens with a half-volley, while Sander Berge also forced the United goalkeeper into action. Oscar Bobb later missed a promising opportunity to open the scoring.
As the first half progressed, United struggled to control the game.
Lammens was forced to make another save from King before rushing off his line to deny Alex Iwobi.
United’s defensive problems eventually produced the breakthrough Fulham had been threatening.
After Cunha gave away possession in a dangerous area, Fulham quickly attacked. Bassey unleashed a powerful shot that Lammens could only parry.
Martinez attempted to deal with the loose ball but made a costly mistake, turning it into his own goal.
United pushed forward in search of an equaliser and came close through Bryan Mbeumo and Cunha, but Leno stood firm.
Then, with just a minute remaining in normal time, Cunha provided the moment United needed.
His long-range shot took a wicked deflection off Affengruber and beat Leno to rescue a point for the visitors.
The draw stopped United from suffering a third straight defeat, but it also extended a run that has left Carrick under serious scrutiny.
United now have the international break to regroup before hosting Tottenham on October 10.
With both sides struggling for consistency, Carrick will know that another disappointing result could bring even greater attention to his position.
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