Man Utd: Michael Carrick defends players after Gary Neville comments
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick defended his players following harsh criticism from Gary Neville regarding their performance against Fulham. Despite a lackluster showing, the team managed to secure a late 1-1 draw.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the intense media scrutiny and pressure surrounding high-profile football clubs and their management.
Figure caption, Carrick impressed Man Utd 'kept belief' to earn draw at Fulham
Manchester United reporter at Craven Cottage Published 20 September 2026 Gary Neville took a deep breath after Lisandro Martinez's own goal put Fulham ahead just over an hour into what had been a laboured Manchester United performance, and delivered his verdict.
The former United skipper is never short of a scathing word, but even by his standards, this was brutal.
"I've watched Manchester United since the age of five and that's the worst 15 minutes I've ever seen," he said. "Absolutely pathetic.
"I've never seen such a lack of effort. What must [Michael] Carrick be thinking?"
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