Gary Neville blasts Manchester United after Fulham draw and urges Carrick to act

Manchester United needed a late Matheus Cunha strike, deflected on its way in, to leave Craven Cottage with a 1-1 draw against Fulham after Lisandro Martinez’s early own goal had put them behind.

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The point ended United’s immediate losing run, but the display brought a sharp response from Gary Neville, who accused the players of failing to provide the intensity required without possession.

Neville said Michael Carrick must stop shielding the squad in public after the United boss rejected the suggestion that his team had been passive in west London. Carrick’s loyalty to his players was understandable, Neville argued, but the manager could face serious difficulty if the performances do not improve.

“Michael needs to stop protecting them,” Neville said. “You understand why he does it: he wants the players onside and there is still plenty of the campaign left. But that display would concern me.”

Neville added that there is no immediate pressure on Carrick despite the scrutiny that comes with taking the United job. His warning was directed at the players: they must deliver far more work and commitment for their manager.

United arrived at Fulham after defeats to Manchester City and Brighton in the Carabao Cup, and Neville was especially critical of their defensive effort. He said Fulham found it too easy to control the ball, with United short of urgency, awareness and aggression.

“I have never watched a United side do so much walking when they do not have the ball,” he said. “For the opening 15 minutes after half-time, and really for the first hour, it was nowhere near acceptable. They were not close to the required standard off the ball.”

The international break now gives Carrick time to address fitness and intensity before United return to league action against Tottenham on October 10.