Manchester United

Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

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Manchester United's dismal running and sprinting statistics made for stark reading in the wake of Gary Neville's criticism following the draw against Fulham.

The former right-back directly questioned the team's lack of effort and referred to the players as "mannequins".

He said United - and Fulham - were walking too much during the game.

In the Premier League this season only four teams have covered less distance than the Red Devils, and just three teams have produced fewer sprints.

It comes alongside United's joint-worst start to a Premier League season, with four points from five games.

So is this down to their lack of running and overall effort?

Let's take a look at the second half of last season, after Michael Carrick had been appointed as interim manager.

Between 17 January and the end of the campaign, United picked up more points than any other team - 39 from 17 games.

Yet only four teams ran less than United, and only two clubs had fewer sprints.

There is no material difference in the running stats between the seasons, but United were returning 2.29 points per game compared to 0.8 this season.

Something is clearly different, but it does not appear to be linked to this particular stat, because barely anything has changed - apart from the results. Perhaps this United squad simply does not have runners?

Then there is the comparison to rival teams.

Manchester City have won all five Premier League matches but have covered less distance than United. Enzo Maresca's squad have also recorded the lowest number of sprints in the division.

Brighton, one of the most exciting teams in the league this season and the top goalscorers, are just one place above United for sprints.

Perhaps United's problem is tactical and to do with personnel, rather than a simple case of not running enough?

Read the full piece here

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Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko has pulled out of Slovenia's forthcoming Nations League matches.

The 23-year-old missed the 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday with a shin injury sustained against Brighton in the Carabao Cup.

He joins United team-mates Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford and Karl Darlow in withdrawing from international duty.

"Benjamin will undergo tests this week before defining his individual recovery plan," said a club statement.

United's next match is at home to Tottenham on 10 October.

BBC pundit Chris Sutton says Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is a victim of his own success because he "won people over by overachieving" last season and his successful period in interim charge "set the expectation" for this campaign.

"That was his biggest mistake," said Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "It set him up for this season, where everyone thought United should get off to a flyer."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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Manchester United fan Beth Tucker says the club's late draw against Fulham is "nothing to celebrate" and that the reaction from Michael Carrick and players to their recent results is not good enough.

"Lack of intensity on the pitch, lack [of it] on the touchline, the lack of passion from Carrick is reflecting in his players," said Beth, who provides video reaction and analysis as part of BBC Sport's Fan Collective.

"This is a Manchester United side that is under pressure to perform, to deliver the fans a win.

"I don't know what Carrick is doing behind the scenes, but the intensity has dropped off a cliff. We were physically unfit.

"Only Coventry and Ipswich are worse than us, potentially Fulham, but Fulham were better that us. We nicked a point at the last minute. I will not celebrate a last minute draw that we did not deserve."

Is Carrick to blame for a lack of passion on the pitch? How do you feel about the performances you have been seeing from the side?

Get in touch with your views here

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer, Manchester United duo Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Newcastle defender Tino Livramento have pulled out of England's squad for forthcoming Nations League matches.

Everton midfielder James Garner and Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White have been called up by manager Thomas Tuchel and will join the squad on Tuesday.

Tuchel said on Friday that 26-year-old Gibbs-White, who has six international caps, was close to being included in the initial squad.

Palmer had been recalled by Tuchel after being controversially left out of England's World Cup squad, but has withdrawn with a minor injury.

Mainoo and Rashford were assessed by their club after being taken off in the closing stages of Sunday's 1-1 draw at Fulham.

Rice, who played the full game for Arsenal in their 3-0 defeat by Brighton, will also be unavailable to Tuchel, along with Livramento, who has been limited to three substitute appearances for Newcastl this season.

Like Gibbs-White, Garner - who made both his two senior England appearances in March - comes in after not being selected for the 2026 World Cup.

The latest episode of BBC Radio Manchester's The Devils' Advocate podcast has landed.

Joe McGrath and Gaz Drinkwater reflect on Manchester United's turbulent week; from suffering a humiliating defeat against Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round to rescuing a late draw against Fulham in the Premier League.

The pair also discuss the future of Michael Carrick, who has recorded two wins, two draws and three losses this season, particularly after Gary Neville's comments this weekend.

The former captain said on Sky Sports' coverage of the Fulham match: "I've watched Manchester United since the age of five and that is the worst 15 minutes I've ever seen - absolutely pathetic."

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Manchester United content on BBC Sounds

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Forward Matheus Cunha feels Manchester United thrive in "crazy moments" but is confident his team-mates can rediscover their form after the international break.

It took Cunha's deflected last-minute goal to rescue a point against a Fulham side that started Sunday's game bottom of the Premier League.

Former United skipper Gary Neville criticised the team's approach at the start of the second half, labelling it "pathetic".

Cunha accepts it wasn't the best version of themselves. However, he believes United's response to falling behind was encouraging and a positive sign for the future.

"I don't feel it was a bad performance," he said. "We lost maybe 20 minutes' control of the game, but after this we played very well, with a lot of character and a lot of energy.

"I feel this is part of Manchester United; this kind of energy to do it in crazy moments. It is the spirit of the team and then we do well.

"We need to improve and have this energy, these kinds of crazy moments, but at the same time, we need to be a little bit more calm in the decisions."

Five points from their opening five Premier League games is way below expectations.

United resume their campaign against Tottenham at Old Trafford on 10 October. Away games at Atletico Madrid and Como in the Champions League are split by a trip to Leeds United, with Chelsea and Roma among the other sides Michael Carrick's side have to face before the November international break, which is followed immediately by a visit to Liverpool.

"That could be a big month," said Cunha.

"Last season was my first here, and maybe it was crazier than this one. There was a lot of noise around us, because it was a season without Champions League.

"We still have a lot of trust and belief. But, of course, it's only the beginning. Last season we improved later and we finished third. So, I imagine if we improve earlier this season, something good can come."

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Fulham and Manchester United.

Here are some of your comments:

Fulham fans

Jeremy: A young team learning their trade. So close to a memorable win. Calvin Bassey/David Affengruber are building a great pairing. Joachim Andersen is causing us issues, after a great few years. Let the youngsters loose with Bernd Leno and Alex Iwobi.

Gordon: We played really well. Once we made the last substitutions, we set up to defend and that was our mistake. If we had taken Josh King off but replaced him with Emile Smith Rowe, we might have kept them more at bay and held on for the win. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. The team and manager should be proud of the performance but keep chins up and make sure our next game is as good. Keep the faith.

Keith: Have been a Fulham fan since 1974 with all the ups and downs. Can any Fulham fan please tell me why it seems we cannot defend a lead and concede so many late goals? Surely it must frustrate many Fulham fans and not just me.

Hillary: Just bad luck for the London boys. They were resilient and put pressure on the Red Devils - a draw wasn't bad, though.

Man Utd fans

Nigel: That was difficult to watch. Slow, laboured build-up with too many square and back passes. Once United reached the final third, the forward momentum halted and the ball inevitably went back or square. None of the forwards are producing the goods. It is clear to me that the starting eleven are a collection of individuals not yet gelling as a team. Michael Carrick must find a solution to that over the international break.

Peter: We learned that this team is not tactically good enough to do what we expect. Is it the players? Or the management team? Is it the owners? Is it all three? Whatever it is, this must be resolved sooner rather than later. With the Champions League looming, this could be embarrassing!

Mohammad: This team is disjointed with no leadership on the field. A bits-and-pieces team with lack of effort and lack of teamwork. You cannot score goals with nobody in the penalty area. Trying to do too much meaningless passing with every position, not performing to Premier League standards, whether it's the goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders, or nothing going forward.

Mike: How have Manchester United gone from beating Manchester City, Arsenal and getting into top four after a rough start last season... to this mess again? They don't look like they have the desire. Same man in charge but a completely different looking team?

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter at Craven Cottage

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?"

It seemed an extreme reaction. But in a week when United lost the Manchester derby to a Manchester City side reduced to 10 men midway through the first half, then, against Brighton, were beaten at home after giving away a two-goal lead for the first time in more than 50 years, frustration among the fanbase is high.

Carrick has previously said he can shut out the noise.

It cannot be quite so easy, though, when fans - who usually back their team through disappointment - followed up chants on Wednesday in disgust at the Brighton debacle by booing Carrick's decision to take off popular midfielder Kobbie Mainoo 11 minutes from time at Craven Cottage.

"There's always going to be certain reactions when you're making changes," said Carrick. "I've spoken to Kobbie after the game and he's absolutely fine."

Five points from five games leaves United 12th, already 10 points behind pacesetters City.

This would all be pretty underwhelming were it not for the ticketing issues instigated by the club's touting crackdown that has annoyed so many in the fanbase.

On Wednesday, United will release their full-year financial results to 30 June, around which the full extent of their current debt will be revealed.

Then there is the general debate about the wisdom of new stadium, which is set to cost in excess of £2bn, with planning permission potentially submitted with the main Old Trafford masterplan, which is earmarked for late 2027 or early 2028.

After leading United back to the Champions League so unexpectedly last season, Carrick is now presiding over a club whose supporters feel deflated, even if he does not recognise that.

Read the full article

Manchester United are monitoring Italian manager Antonio Conte as a possible replacement for current boss Michael Carrick, should the latter's position at the club become untenable. (Hard Tackle), external

Manchester United are looking at Lens' Portugal youth international midfielder Mezian Mesloub, 16, as they bid to strengthen their young talent pool. (Teamtalk), external

The Old Trafford outfit remain keen to keep forward JJ Gabriel, who has been linked with a move to Real MadridandBarcelona,with Chelsea now joining the battle to sign the teenager. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Man Utd starting XI:

Senne Lammens: Key first-half saves to keep Manchester United level and came out bravely at Iwobi's feet to prevent another Fulham chance. Distribution could have been better and he didn't cover himself in glory with the Fulham goal. 6

Diogo Dalot: Tidy spin and dash into space to create a chance for Rashford but had too much work to do defensively as he lacked cover far too often. 6

Harry Maguire: Used his experience to draw a foul out of King as United tried to deal with Fulham pressure near their own goal. 7

Lisandro Martinez: Well struck half-volley drew an excellent save out of Bernd Leno. He did eventually find the net - at the wrong end. 5

Luke Shaw (off Dorgu, 83): Returned from a three-match absence. Michael Carrick's side are far more balanced when he is there. 7

Youri Tielemans: Wasted an excellent opportunity when he got no power behind his effort as he ran onto Rashford's short pass. 5

Kobbie Mainoo (off 79, Mount): Usual tidy game in possession without making the key passes. Never looks flustered. 7

Bryan Mbeumo: A lot of strong runs but, like many Man Utd forwards, nowhere near his best. Tough ask, but did he give Dalot enough defensive support? 6

Bruno Fernandes: Low shot against the post from a Matheus Cunha cut-back but once more not at last season's levels. 6

Marcus Rashford (off 76, Zirkzee): Tried to set up Tielemans with a short pass but the Belgian couldn't finish. An attempt of his own before the break was saved by Leno and another, better opportunity flew way over the bar. 6

Matheus Cunha: Again started in the number nine role he doesn't seem suited to but created an excellent opportunity for Fernandes. Deflected shot hit the post and spun wide. Probably the visitors' most dangerous forward. 7

Man Utd substitutes:

Zirkzee (on 76, Rashford): 6

Mount (on 79, Mainoo): 6

Dorgu (on 83, Shaw): 7

Subs not used:

Darlow, Mazraoui, Mount, Yoro, Andrey Santos, Baleba, Lacey.

Read the full article and see how you rated the players

Sam Drury
BBC Sport journalist

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It is too early in the season for Michael Carrick's position to be under serious threat.

But after back-to-back home defeats and, crucially, the manner of them - losing a Manchester derby having played 10 men for the majority and surrendering a two-goal lead to exit the Carabao Cup - a third league loss in five would have invited plenty of unwanted scrutiny on the Englishman.

With a three-week international break to come, there will be no escaping a certain amount of criticism and it is a long time to wait before Manchester United can attempt to start putting things right on the pitch.

But without Matheus Cunha's somewhat fortuitous goal, it would have been a lot worse.

Overall, United were good value for a point and might even argue snatching all three would not have been unwarranted given their strong finish.

It is the 63 minutes leading up to the Fulham goal that others will focus on, though, in particular the start of the second half in which they allowed the game to drift prior to the horrendous own goal.

Senne Lammens and Lisandro Martinez will be grateful to Cunha that it did not prove the game's decisive moment.

Carrick can now regroup and plan for a crucial stage of the season, starting against Tottenham on 10 October, knowing that if results do not pick up, it could be a defining run of his tenure.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick speaking to BBC Sport: "I think we did enough to win the game. I think we could win it. It was an unfortunate own goal but for the most part we were good. Their goalkeeper has made top saves, on another day we could have two or three goals. I was pleased with how we responded, the boys kept their belief and kept doing the right things. I think a point is the least we should take."

On Fulham's goal: "I think it was maybe a foul on Matheus [Cunha] first, there's an argument for that. The shot has come through someone and it has happened quite quickly. Quite a few moments like that have been going against us. Thankfully we have still taken something small from the game."

On the 'noise' around Manchester United and if it bothers him: "No, what bothers me is that we want better results. We want more points, we're going to have a spell where it's not quite going for you and we've had a spell of that where small things have ended up as big things. We don't think things are perfect by any means. We need to win football matches. The supporters were top-drawer again today and we have to give them something to keep shouting about."

Listen to Carrick speaking to BBC Radio Manchester here

Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I think we created a lot. Fulham played well also. We got our chances, if we finish them we can finish game with three points.

"Bernd Leno is always a good goalkeeper, today he was unbelievable. We have to congratulate him but also improve.

"To beat Leno today we needed a bit of luck, and I got that luck to score the goal. Maybe if it doesn't touch anyone it doesn't go in.

"It's only the beginning, to play for this shirt there is a lot of noise around. We stay very strong, we believe in our group and manager. We showed everyone how we did it last season. The only thing we can do is work more.

"When I don't win games I feel anxious to play the next one to win, the only way to improve is to train and play."

Did you know?

• With five points, this is Manchester United's joint-lowest tally after five games of a Premier League season, also picking up five in 2014-15. That season they finished fourth.

• The goal was Matheus Cunha's first of the season - of the Brazilian's last 12 Premier League goals, 11 have either equalised (three) or given his side the lead (eight).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Fulham's performance

What did you make of Man Utd's display?

Reaction and analysis to follow - and come back on Monday for a selection of your replies.