Gary Neville slams 'pathetic' Man Utd after late draw at Fulham
Gary Neville called Manchester United "absolutely pathetic" after they needed a late goal to draw 1-1 at Fulham on Sunday, 20 September.
United fell behind at Craven Cottage in London when defender Lisandro Martinez scored an own goal, turning the ball into his own net to give Fulham the lead. They were heading for a third straight defeat until Matheus Cunha levelled in the 89th minute, his effort taking a deflection on the way past the goalkeeper.
Neville, working as a pundit on Sky Sports' coverage, saved his strongest words for the start of the second half. He said the opening 15 minutes after the break was the worst 15 minutes he had ever seen from United, having watched the club since he was five. BBC
He went further. He said he had never seen such a lack of effort from United players, called them "mannequins" at one stage, and said both teams were walking too much. He then asked what United manager Michael Carrick must be thinking.
The criticism carries weight because of who it comes from. Neville played 602 games for United across a 19-year playing career before moving into punditry. He also questioned the team's effort, spirit and energy on the night.
The running numbers make uncomfortable reading for United. They sit 16th in the Premier League for distance covered this season and 17th for total sprints. Those are measures of how much and how hard a team runs.
Carrick pushed back when asked about the fitness question after the game. He said his players' fitness levels were not an issue. Neville responded by urging Carrick to stop defending his players after what he described as a lacklustre draw. Sky Sports
For supporters, this is why the draw felt flat despite the late escape. Cunha's goal spared United a third defeat in a row. But four points from five league games is their joint-worst start to a Premier League season.
One bright spot was the goalkeeper. Senne Lammens topped United's fan-voted Player of the Match poll after the game at Fulham. Manchester United
