Michael Carrick snapped at Man Utd question but Matheus Cunha's alarming admission proves him wrong

Michael Carrick appeared to take offence at an accusation made towards his Manchester United side after drawing with Fulham.

Sitting 12th in the Premier League table is not the start to the season that Manchester United fans were dreaming of, but it is the harsh reality after a 1-1 draw with Fulham.

Michael Carrick finds himself under pressure already, and an uninspiring performance at Craven Cottage will attract some awkward questions about his coaching over the international break.

Matheus Cunha rescued a point for United with a late strike, but his post-match comments directly contradict the message that Carrick tried to convey after the match.

Michael Carrick tried to defend Man United, Matheus Cunha exposed the flaws

Following United’s disappointing draw, Carrick snapped at the media at the suggestion that his side were “passive” against Fulham.

“You think we were passive? Passive? Football is a difficult game there are moments like that. It doesn’t mean you are passive. We controlled the game in the first half,” Carrick said.

It is a fact that United were outrun by Fulham, and Gary Neville was spiralling on commentary as he pointed out the poor work-rate and lack of energy from Carrick’s side.

While Carrick attempted to disarm any accusations of being passive, goalscorer Cunha sent a very contrasting message by admitting that there was a lack of tenacity from United.

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Speaking to Sky Sports, Cunha said: “It is hard. They put in more energy than us, we cannot accept this.”

The Brazilian did not hide the fact that United were second-best in the match when it came to being proactive and energetic, and that is a concerning admission.

It is something that Carrick seriously needs to address. United’s poor fitness and intensity is a big concern, and it is even more worrying that he seems quick to brush it under the carpet and pretend that United “controlled the game”.