Former Manchester United defender, Gary Neville, has criticised the club’s display in their 1-1 Premier League draw against Fulham, describing the team’s 15-minute spell after half-time as the worst he has witnessed from United.
Manchester United struggled to impose themselves for much of the encounter before falling behind shortly after the hour mark when defender Lisandro Martinez turned the ball into his own net.
Neville, who spent his entire professional career at United, was particularly critical of the team’s lack of intensity during the second half.
“I’ve watched Manchester 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 [Michael] Carrick be thinking?”
United avoided defeat late in the game when Matheus Cunha’s deflected effort found the back of the net in the 89th minute to earn them a point.
Cunha admitted Fulham had shown more energy at the beginning of the second half, saying United needed to improve their intensity.
“At the beginning of the second half they put in more energy than us,” he told Sky Sports. “We cannot accept this.”
However, United head coach Michael Carrick dismissed suggestions that a lack of fitness was responsible for the team’s struggles, pointing to their strong finish as evidence.
“The way we finished the game, actually, it didn’t look like that,” Carrick said. “We finished the game really strong actually, and kept pushing. I don’t think that’s an issue, no.”
The draw extended a difficult period for United, who had previously suffered defeat in the Manchester derby before throwing away a two-goal advantage in their draw with Brighton.
United have now collected five points from their opening five league matches and sit 12th in the Premier League table.
Cunha also acknowledged the growing “noise” around the club, while Carrick called on his players and supporters to remain focused on the season ahead.
“It’s still a big season ahead. It’s a long season and you’re going to have spells through a season. That’s part of the journey.”
Carrick admitted the result was disappointing but said the club must move forward.
“I’m not playing it down, you know. We wanted more points, so I’m not saying everything’s great. I understand the frustration.”
The United boss also praised the supporters for standing behind the team throughout the match.
“The supporters were unbelievable today, I have to say, all the way through, and stuck with the boys and supported them,” he said.
“At least we’ve given them something small at the end to take from it, and I’m sure there’s more to come.”
