Gary Neville’s verdict on Manchester United’s performance at Fulham was as stark as it was familiar. After Lisandro Martínez’s own goal gave the hosts the lead, the former United captain took a deep breath before delivering a withering assessment.
“I’ve watched Manchester United since the age of five and that’s the worst 15 minutes I’ve ever seen,” Neville said on Sky Sports. “Absolutely pathetic. I’ve never seen such a lack of effort. What must Michael Carrick be thinking?”
Neville’s comments came during a week in which United lost the Manchester derby to a 10-man City side before surrendering a two-goal lead against Brighton, their first home defeat by Brighton in more than 50 years. A late Matheus Cunha equaliser at Fulham eventually rescued a point, but it did little to ease the sense of discontent.
Cunha did not go quite as far as Neville, although his assessment pointed to a similar concern.
“At the beginning of the second half they put in more energy than us,” the Brazilian said. “We cannot accept this.”
Carrick rejected suggestions that fitness was behind United’s problems, pointing instead to the way his side finished the game.
“The way we finished the game, actually, it didn’t look like that,” he said. “We finished the game really strong actually, and kept pushing. I don’t think that’s an issue.”
The manager also played down the significance of supporters booing his decision to substitute Kobbie Mainoo late on.
“I understand at times when we are chasing the game, everyone’s a little bit emotional,” Carrick said. “The supporters are, as well they should be, desperate for us to do the right thing.”
Yet United’s situation is difficult to ignore. Five points from five games leaves them 12th, already 10 points behind Manchester City, while injuries to Carlos Baleba, Matthijs de Ligt and Benjamin Sesko have added to the uncertainty.
Carrick insists there is no sense of deflation inside the club.
“It’s still a big season ahead,” he said. “It’s not a sprint, it’s a long effort.”
For a fanbase already frustrated by events on and off the pitch, however, Neville’s words have ensured the debate around United’s direction will only intensify.
