Manchester United secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against Fulham on Sunday, with Matheus Cunha’s late equalizer salvaging a point and easing, however slightly, the mounting pressure on manager Michael Carrick. The performance at Craven Cottage was once again lacklustre, leaving United grateful to escape with a draw rather than pushing for a victory.

The match saw United fall behind in the second half due to a highly unfortunate own goal from Lisandro Martinez. The defender diverted the ball into his own net after Fulham's Calvin Bassey’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Senne Lammens. While Cunha’s last-gasp goal prevented a third consecutive defeat, it did little to mask the team's struggles and offered scant reason for celebration for Carrick and his squad.

This latest result continues a worrying trend for Manchester United, who have now managed only one win in their last five Premier League matches. They sit 10 points adrift of league leaders Manchester City and have suffered three defeats in their first seven games across all competitions. The team heads into the international break with manager Michael Carrick facing intense scrutiny over his leadership.

Despite the external pressure, Carrick has maintained that he is not concerned about his job security at Old Trafford. However, following recent gut-wrenching losses to Manchester City and Brighton, this draw against a second-from-bottom Fulham side represents another significant setback for his tenure. The team’s inability to secure a win against Fulham, a team they were expected to overcome, adds to a season already marked by underwhelming performances and forgettable moments.

United's struggles have come as a surprise, given expectations of at least matching last season's third-place finish. Since Carrick's permanent appointment as manager, following a successful interim spell, the team appears to have regressed. This dip in form raises questions about the team's direction and Carrick's ability to inspire the necessary improvement.

The team's upcoming fixture against bottom-of-the-table Tottenham Hotspur on October 10th becomes crucial for both Carrick and opposing manager Roberto De Zerbi. Both will be desperate for a victory to turn their respective seasons around and alleviate some of the pressure they are facing.

Sunday's match at Craven Cottage foreshadowed a difficult afternoon for United. They were fortunate early on when Fulham forward Gonzalo Garcia missed the target from a dangerous position. Although United responded with a Bruno Fernandes shot that forced a superb save from Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno, their defensive frailties were evident throughout the game.

Further chances for United came when Cunha’s pass found Fernandes, whose powerful strike hit the post. However, Fulham also created opportunities, with Josh King’s half-volley requiring a good save from Lammens, who later denied Sander Berge with another sharp stop. The match was a clear indication of United's ongoing inconsistency and defensive vulnerabilities.