Manchester United are facing increasing pressure following an unlucky 1-1 home draw against Fulham but former captain Gary Neville calling their second-half performance ‘absolutely pathetic’. Michael Carrick didn’t believe their lads weren’t fit or had no faith “The lads were late and got a point through Matheus Cunha (deflected) so their fitness and their belief is in question.”

Neville has now spoken his mind following a difficult time at United at Craven Cottage. The visitors had taken a long time to take their turn to build an advantage but it was only just over an hour into the game when Lisandro Martinez turned it around and into his own goal. Of course, the lack of effort exercised by United was the sticks, as Neville railed against this point in his comments during that match.

Neville was a Manchester United fan from the tender age of five and noted the most difficult of the past 15 years. “Absolutely pathetic.”

These remarks came after a woe-soaked past week for a team that is grappling with a frustrating loss. Against Brighton City United had been beaten at home by a team playing in 10-man without any goal difference but this time they also had to give away a two-goal deficit at the Manchester derby.

The second half goal at Fulham did provide Carrick with something to build on, though. Cunha’s rebound off a hard rebound before swapping with Blake at the start of the first quarter saw him deliver a shot that was stopped on his way to the far post in the 89th minute, giving United a point out.

Cunha said himself Fulham displayed more vigour at the opening stages of the second half, and Manchester United couldn’t take it! That fueled further doubts over fitness and intensity of the team.

Carrick disagreed. Clutch performance was proof the United can play with plenty of legs left, said the manager. He explained that his side gave ‘total effort and drive’ to Fulham until the end of the match and that fitness was not ‘the issue’.

Instead, Carrick is facing a more difficult challenge to focus with the increased noise near the club. Manchester United fans have been feeling increasingly frustrated, and it was evident when the ball reached Carrick at the end of the first half to replace Kobbie Mainoo. Carrick admitted some fans were eager to see their team back in the game, but took the hit for boos from some as the decision was made.

He further assured that Mainoo is alright after the decision and thanked the supporters for their support to the team.

That assistance will also be crucial as Manchester United’s mission into the openinground of the season has been rather disappointing. With five points to play for on their opening five games, they are 12th in the Premier League and 10 points decanted from the top of the table by the leaders Manchester City. There are also some problems off the pitch on the pressure, too.

New signing Carlos Baleba hasn’t yet made his debut, and Matthijs de Ligt did not come into contact with the team against Fulham although he did make the trip. Benjamin Sesko also wasn’t appeared because of another shin challenge–one that plagued him for much of last season.

At this stage, it is “far too early” to determine the severity of Sesko’s most recent injury, according to Carrick. Meanwhile, Manchester United themselves also have other concerns to address about their team. The club’s ticketing changes have left fans mad at ticket touting while the club’s financial results are likely to give a better sense of the club’s financial health.

Another significant subject is the new project to build an extra structure in Old Trafford. The superb plans for the stadium are likely to come with an enormous price tag of over £2bn. Carrick is doing his best to steer clear of the attention grabbing focus on football here.

The manager feels he could’ve got more points out of his players, but he also thinks that his team hasn’t deflated. Rather he views the season as a long journey when tough times are to be faced.

Fulham’s draw offer little or no help to the United woes, but it did stop another United defeat at least. For Carrick, that’s what the team can springboard off. To Neville and other uncomplaining fans, however, the more serious issue is that the Brewers have lacked both consistency and intensity however in crucial moments of games.

The next time United play a game they need to put out a bit more. There was a little consolation at Fulham but now expectations are high and the extremely volatile two-game table had set up, Carrick’s side are looking for more than his side of the ball and a set-up to leave the supporters bewildered regarding efforts and direction.