Carrick responds as Man Utd fans boo Kobbie Mainoo substitution at Fulham
Matheus Cunha struck in the 89th minute to earn Manchester United a 1-1 draw at Fulham, but the late rescue did not prevent an angry response from the travelling support after Kobbie Mainoo was substituted.
Late Cunha goal saves United
United had looked set to leave west London empty-handed after Lisandro Martinez turned the ball into his own net in the 63rd minute, handing Fulham the lead and putting them on course for their first league win of the season.
The contest had lacked rhythm for long periods, although both teams created chances. United finally found an equaliser one minute from time when Cunha’s effort took a deflection on its way in.
It secured a point for Michael Carrick’s side, but did little to ease the concern around their stuttering league start.
Mainoo withdrawal sparks boos
The loudest flashpoint arrived with around 10 minutes left. Mainoo, one of United’s brighter performers, was replaced by Mason Mount as Carrick looked for a different attacking solution.
United supporters in the away end booed the decision, with frustration already high as the team chased Fulham’s lead. Carrick said afterwards that the call was tactical rather than fitness-related and that Mainoo accepted it.
- Mainoo was taken off late in the match for Mount.
- Carrick said the midfielder had played well.
- The manager spoke to Mainoo after full-time and said there was no issue with the change.
- Carrick said supporters were entitled to show emotion while United were trying to recover the game.
Carrick said he did not view the reaction as a personal criticism. He recognised that fans wanted the team to make the right decisions in a pressured finish and said he took no offence from the boos.
Five points from five games
The Fulham draw leaves United with only five points from their opening five league fixtures. Their early schedule has included matches against Hull City, Ipswich Town, Everton, Manchester City and Fulham.
| Manchester United league start | Total |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 5 |
| Points collected | 5 |
Despite the poor return, Carrick insisted the situation should not be overstated. He praised the players for their response after falling behind and said he remains convinced United can still have a good campaign.
What happens next
United now enter an extended international break before returning to domestic action on October 10 against Tottenham.
Spurs are currently bottom of the table, giving United an immediate opportunity to restart their season with a win and reduce the pressure building around Carrick’s side.
