Michael Carrick is under mounting pressure after Manchester United equalled their worst start to a Premier League season with a 1-1 draw at Fulham.
United appeared set for a third consecutive defeat after Lisandro Martinez’s own goal put the hosts ahead, but Matheus Cunha’s deflected equaliser in the 89th minute salvaged a point for Carrick’s side.
The result offered little comfort against a Fulham team who were winless and second from bottom of the Premier League. United have won only once this season and sit 12th with five points, matching their lowest points total after five matches in the Premier League era.
That mark was also recorded by Louis van Gaal’s United in 2014-15, although they went on to finish fourth. Carrick, however, is now facing questions after a series of unconvincing performances since the campaign began.
United were beaten 2-0 by promoted Hull on the opening weekend, lost the Manchester derby last week and then surrendered a two-goal lead at home to Brighton in a League Cup collapse.
Their display at Craven Cottage prompted a severe assessment from former United defender Gary Neville, who was working as a match pundit.
“I’ve watched Man United since the age of five and that’s the worst 15 minutes I’ve ever seen. Absolutely pathetic,” Neville said.
He added: “I’ve never seen such a lack of effort. What must Carrick be thinking?”
Michael Carrick backs Manchester United response
Carrick pointed to fine margins behind United’s difficult opening, citing a long-range Everton equaliser, Manchester City’s disputed goal and Martinez’s own goal at Fulham.
“It’s pretty fine margins that have flipped it. I know we can do better; we need to do better at certain things,” he said.
“But I’m not despondent because I think we’ve shown some good signs as well.”
The manager also said the team had lacked energy and drive before falling behind, but was encouraged by the response after conceding.
“There are parts we can do better. The way we responded to going down was really pleasing, the boys were really positive and played with good purpose,” Carrick said.
The 45-year-old now has three weeks to assess United’s start during an extended international break before they face bottom-of-the-table Tottenham on October 10.
With questions also growing over the club’s transfer policy and fitness regime, Carrick knows defeat against Tottenham would further damage his hopes of reversing United’s fortunes. Trips to Atletico Madrid and Leeds follow the Old Trafford fixture.
Despite the pressure, Carrick insisted he remained confident in his players and believed the difficult period could help them develop as a group.
“I’m convinced we’ll have a good season. We’re having a spell that feels bigger than it actually is to the outside. We’ll get back to winning football matches and we’ll be all right,” he said.
