Gary Neville has delivered a scathing assessment of Manchester United’s performance in their 1-1 draw with Fulham, describing a 15-minute spell after half-time as the worst he has witnessed from the club.
United appeared on course for another defeat at Craven Cottage after Lisandro Martínez turned the ball into his own net in the 63rd minute. Matheus Cunha eventually rescued a point for Michael Carrick’s side with a heavily deflected effort in the 89th minute.
For Neville, however, the late equaliser did little to disguise what he considered a deeply disappointing display, particularly during the opening stages of the second half.
Speaking while working as a Sky Sports co-commentator, the former United defender said he had watched the club since childhood but had never seen such a lack of effort during a 15-minute period.
Neville also criticised United’s players for appearing too passive when Fulham had possession, arguing that they were not pressing or adjusting their positions with sufficient urgency.
The criticism intensified after Fulham’s opening goal. Calvin Bassey won possession against Cunha and was allowed to advance before his effort eventually led to Martínez’s own goal.
Neville subsequently questioned Carrick’s decision to defend his players’ performance, suggesting the manager needed to demand a higher level of intensity from the squad.
The criticism comes after a difficult week for United. They had already lost the Manchester derby before surrendering a two-goal advantage against Brighton in the League Cup.
Despite those setbacks, Carrick defended his team after the Fulham draw, insisting there were positive elements to their performance and that the players showed character by continuing to push for an equaliser.
Cunha, who scored United’s late leveller, offered a different assessment, saying Fulham had shown more energy at the beginning of the second half and that United needed to improve in that area. Fulham also covered 6.6 kilometres more than United during the match.
The draw leaves United with five points from their opening five Premier League matches, increasing scrutiny on Carrick as the international break provides time for the team to regroup.
For Neville, though, the immediate concern is less about the result and more about the level of performance he witnessed at Craven Cottage.
Alternative catchy headlines
- “Worst I’ve Ever Seen”: Neville Explodes After United Escape Fulham
- Neville Delivers Brutal Verdict After United’s Fulham Escape
- One Draw, Plenty of Questions as Neville Tears Into United
- “Absolutely Pathetic”: Neville Sounds Alarm After United Stumble Again
- Neville Says United Crossed the Line During Fulham Horror Spell
