The damning 42nd-minute Man United 'bizarre' moment vs Fulham that sent Gary Neville spiralling

Manchester United were uninspiring and flat against Fulham and one moment summed up their performance perfectly.

A late Matheus Cunha goal rescued a 1-1 draw vs Fulham for Manchester United, but it won’t paper over the cracks of what was a very concerning performance.

Out of possession, United lacked conviction in anything they did. Any attempt to press and win back possession felt lethargic and reactive. There was a complete lack of tenacity, and that worryingly applied to all 11 players on the pitch.

In the first half, it quickly became clear that United were having problems out of possession, and there was an eye-opening incident just minutes before the break.

Man United’s pathetic pressing problem

United were too happy to defend passively, sit deep, and allow Fulham to control possession at Craven Cottage.

There were a few half-hearted attempts to press high, but it immediately became clear there was no organisation or structure to that plan.

In the 42nd minute, the trio of Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo all pushed forward to try and win possession high up the pitch, yet Fulham skipped round United’s press with one pass. One single pass into midfield.

All three players dropped their heads, turned 180 degrees and walked back to their positions. There was no urgency or desire to set things right, and that is hugely damning for Carrick.

Gary Neville slams Man United’s workrate vs Fulham

It wasn’t a moment that flew under the radar. In fact, it was picked up by United legend Gary Neville on Sky Sports commentary.

Throughout the performance, Neville questioned United’s desire, energy and workrate, and in that 42nd-minute moment was when he began to spiral.

“They’re just walking. It’s bizarre to watch. You can basically just do what you want against them,” Neville said.

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Neville also referred to United’s players as “mannequins” in defence, and frequently questioned why they weren’t running or urgently trying to make a defensive challenge.

When it is a pattern spotted in every player, naturally, the spotlight turns to Carrick on the sidelines.