Michael Carrick rejected the suggestion that his Manchester United players lacked physical fitness after they snatched a last-gasp 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday. The statistics showed the home side ran a collective 6.6km more than United, whose goalscorer in the 89th minute – Matheus Cunha – was critical of his team’s efforts. United were poor after the restart at 0-0, leading up to a disastrous Lisandro Martínez own goal in the 63rd minute, with Cunha saying they had to give more.
The draw was not the result Carrick or United wanted after a week during which they lost the derby against Manchester City and exited the Carabao Cup against Brighton; both matches were at Old Trafford. Carrick will take it under the circumstances and he tried to highlight the positives which he said took in the never-say-die spirit of his players. They fought until the end and were rewarded when Cunha’s shot from distance took a heavy deflection off the Fulham defender David Affengruber to wrongfoot Bernd Leno.
Carrick said he did not agree with Cunha’s comment about the collective energy levels. I was quite happy with the way we finished the game. I don’t think that’s an issue, no.
We finished on a positive, which is a small step for us … without getting carried away it’s a good step. We came to take three points but at least we’ve taken something to build on moving forward. I know we can do better, we need to do better at certain things.
But I’m not despondent and down because we’re showing some good signs.” A section of the United support booed Carrick’s decision to withdraw Kobbie Mainoo in the 80th minute; the manager sent on Mason Mount in his place. We’re chasing the game and everyone’s a little bit emotional. I don’t take any negatives or offence to it.” Carrick was asked whether he felt a certain deflation among the fans, who have been expecting a big season from United.
That’s part of the journey. I’m not saying everything’s great. I understand the frustration.
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