Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has strongly criticized the team's performance in their 1-1 draw with Fulham on September 21, 2026. Neville described a 15-minute spell after half-time as the worst he had witnessed from the team. Manchester United produced a lackluster display at Fulham and fell behind when Lisandro Martínez turned the ball into his own net shortly after the hour mark.
Neville was particularly critical of the team's performance after the interval, stating that he had never seen such a lack of effort from Manchester United. He expressed his disappointment, saying that the team's display was 'pathetic'. Neville also questioned Manchester United's manager, Michael Carrick, saying "What must [Michael] Carrick be thinking?"
Manchester United eventually rescued a point in the 89th minute when Matheus Cunha's effort took a deflection before finding the net. Cunha acknowledged that Fulham had shown greater intensity at the start of the second half, saying that they put in more energy than Manchester United. This allowed Fulham to take the lead, but Manchester United managed to equalize late in the game.
Despite the draw, Carrick rejected suggestions that Manchester United's performance was caused by a fitness problem. He pointed to the team's response late in the match, saying that they finished the game strongly and kept pushing. Carrick emphasized that he didn't think fitness was an issue for the team.
The draw extended a difficult run for Manchester United, who had already lost the Manchester derby before surrendering a two-goal lead against Brighton. They now have five points from their opening five league matches and sit 12th in the Premier League table. This start to the season has put pressure on the team and manager.
Cunha later referred to the growing "noise" around the club, while Carrick acknowledged the frustration among supporters. He insisted that there was still plenty of the season to play and that the team would go through ups and downs. Carrick understood the supporters' disappointment, saying Manchester United had wanted more points from their opening matches.
Despite the challenges, Carrick praised the fans for continuing to support the team throughout the draw. He emphasized that it's a long season and that the team would work to improve their performance. The draw with Fulham has highlighted areas for improvement for Manchester United as they look to move up the Premier League table.
Key points
- Gary Neville criticizes Manchester United's performance as 'pathetic' in their 1-1 draw with Fulham.
- Manchester United's manager, Michael Carrick, rejects suggestions that the team's performance was caused by a fitness problem.
- The draw leaves Manchester United with five points from their opening five league matches, sitting 12th in the Premier League table.
