'Pathetic' spell, late lifeline: Neville's fury vs Carrick's calm after Fulham draw

Gary Neville labelled a 15‑minute spell in Manchester United’s 1–1 draw at Fulham the worst he has seen in 46 years of watching the club, describing the performance as “absolutely pathetic”, while head coach Michael Carrick maintained his squad still has belief despite a winless run stretching to three Premier League games.

Match summary: Martinez own goal, Cunha rescues point

United fell behind in the 63rd minute when Lisandro Martinez diverted Calvin Bassey’s shot into his own net after goalkeeper Senne Lammens’ save, then snatched a late equaliser in the 89th when Matheus Cunha’s effort took a heavy deflection off David Affengruber and beat Bernd Leno. The result leaves United 12th with five points from five games, 10 behind early leaders Manchester City.

Neville’s verdict: “Worst 15 minutes I’ve ever seen”

Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville focused on United’s lack of intensity after the break. “I’ve watched Man United since the age of five and that’s the worst 15 minutes I’ve ever seen. Absolutely pathetic. I’ve never seen such a lack of effort. What must Carrick be thinking?” he said. He added: “I’ve never seen a United team walk around as much as that… No alertness, no aliveness. They were just walking when Fulham were in possession.”

Carrick’s response: fitness not an issue, “deflation is not in the group”

Carrick rejected suggestions of a fitness problem, pointing to United’s late pressure. “The way we finished the game, actually, it didn’t look like that. We finished the game really strong and kept pushing. I don’t think that’s an issue, no,” he said. On the mood inside the squad, he added: “Deflation is certainly not what we have within the club and within the group… It’s a long season and you’re going to have spells through a season. That’s part of the journey.”

Fan reaction and “noise”

Cunha acknowledged the “noise” around United and said Fulham “put in more energy than us” in the early second half, adding: “We cannot accept this.” Carrick said he understands supporters’ emotions—fans booed his decision to substitute Kobbie Mainoo late on—but insisted he does not take offence. “The supporters were unbelievable today… At least we’ve given them something small at the end to take from it, and I’m sure there’s more to come.”

Bigger picture: injuries, finances and stadium debate

The result compounds a difficult week after defeats to Manchester City and Brighton. Benjamin Sesko missed out with a recurrence of his shin problem, while £70m summer signing Carlos Baleba and long‑term absentee Matthijs de Ligt were in the squad but not used. Off the pitch, United are due to release full‑year financial results, with debt levels and a potential £2bn+ new stadium plan adding to the scrutiny around the club.