Michael Carrick has defended Manchester United’s performance after his side escaped with a 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage, insisting there were positive signs despite another disappointing Premier League result.
United appeared set for a third consecutive defeat when Lisandro Martinez turned the ball into his own net in the 63rd minute. However, Matheus Cunha’s deflected effort in the 89th minute rescued a point for the visitors.
The result means United have collected just five points from their opening five Premier League matches, with only one victory so far this season.
Despite the difficult start, Carrick rejected suggestions that his players had been too passive during the encounter.
“I didn’t think we were,” the United manager said when asked about his team’s approach. He argued that his side controlled much of the first half and created enough opportunities to win the match.
Carrick pointed to the reaction after Fulham took the lead as one of the main positives from the game.
He said United could easily have lost their composure after conceding, but praised the players for continuing to push forward and eventually finding an equaliser.
“I think we can take a lot from today. I think we can learn a lot as well,” Carrick said. “We can be better at certain things, that is pretty clear, but there were some good signs today.”
The manager also maintained that United had done enough to claim all three points, with the visitors creating several chances and hitting the woodwork during the match.
However, the performance drew criticism, particularly over United’s intensity after half-time.
Cunha demands more from United
Cunha, who scored the late equaliser, offered a more critical assessment of United’s display.
The Brazilian forward said the team showed greater enthusiasm and character after conceding, but insisted that level of intensity needed to be present from the beginning.
“In the beginning of the second half they put in more energy than us and we cannot accept this,” Cunha said.
He added that United repeatedly appeared to respond better after going behind and called for improvement across the team.
United’s difficult start has increased scrutiny on Carrick, although the manager insisted that his main concern was securing better results rather than the pressure surrounding his position.
