Michael Carrick dismissed claims that his Manchester United squad was short of fitness after a dramatic late equaliser secured a 1-1 draw away to Fulham on Sunday. The figures indicated that the hosts covered 6.6km more in total than United, while Matheus Cunha, who scored in the 89th minute, questioned his team’s overall effort.
With the game still goalless, United delivered a disappointing performance after half-time and fell behind through Lisandro Martínez’s own goal in the 63rd minute. Cunha admitted that the visitors needed to offer more. “Fulham began the second half with greater intensity than us, and that is something we cannot allow,” he said.
The stalemate was not what Carrick or United had hoped for after a difficult week that included a derby defeat by Manchester City and elimination from the Carabao Cup against Brighton, with both games taking place at Old Trafford. Nevertheless, Carrick accepted the point in the circumstances and focused on his players’ determination. Their persistence was rewarded when Cunha’s long-range attempt struck Fulham defender David Affengruber and changed direction, leaving Bernd Leno unable to react.
Carrick disagreed with Cunha’s assessment of the team’s energy. “Not especially,” the manager said. “Looking at how strongly we ended the match, I did not see it that way. I was pleased with our finish because we continued to apply pressure. I do not believe fitness was a problem.”
“The reaction after conceding the own goal was very encouraging. I liked the manner in which we worked our way back into the contest. We remained composed, followed our approach and played with clear intent. Ending positively represents a small but useful step for us. We came here aiming to win, but we have at least earned something that can help us progress.”
“Small details have often gone against us this season. I know there are areas in which we can and must improve, but I am not discouraged because we are also displaying some promising qualities.”
Some United supporters booed when Carrick replaced Kobbie Mainoo with Mason Mount in the 80th minute. “Substitutions will always produce certain responses,” Carrick said. “I understand that. We were behind, emotions were running high and people wanted us to score. I do not view the reaction negatively or take it personally.”
Asked whether disappointment was spreading among fans who had anticipated a successful campaign, Carrick insisted there was still plenty to play for. “This can still be an important season,” he said. “There is a long way to go, and every campaign includes difficult periods. That is part of the process.”
“I am not trying to minimise the situation. We expected to collect more points, and I am not claiming that everything is going well. I recognise why people are frustrated. However, there is no sense of defeat inside the club. The players did not show that attitude on the field, and their character will help us throughout the campaign.”
Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa expressed frustration with the officiating and suggested the officials were reluctant to see United suffer another defeat after the previous Sunday’s match against Manchester City. In that game, Erling Haaland’s winning goal stood even though his teammate Enzo Fernández appeared to be in an offside position.
Arbeloa pointed to what he considered a generous free-kick awarded to Harry Maguire near the halfway line, 35 seconds before Cunha scored the equaliser. Maguire went down after contact from Fulham substitute César Palacios.
“The decisions kept going their way,” Arbeloa said shortly after the final whistle. “Look at the incident involving Maguire before the goal. He weighs around 100 kilograms, yet the foul was awarded to him. It felt as though every call favoured United. After what happened in the Manchester City match, I suspected they would not be allowed to lose here.”
Arbeloa softened his position during the formal post-match press conference, although he maintained that he was “not particularly pleased”. Referee Peter Bankes ruled in Fulham’s favour in the 86th minute when Martínez’s shot struck Calvin Bassey’s hand inside the penalty area. Although Bassey raised his arm, it remained close enough to his body for no penalty to be given.
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