Michael Carrick defends controversial decision booed by Man Utd fans at Fulham

Michael Carrick was booed by Manchester United fans when he substituted Kobbie Mainoo at Fulham, but he says the midfielder is fully aware of why he was replaced.

The Cottagers were close to picking up their first win of the season after Lisandro Martinez scored a bizarre own goal on 63 minutes at Craven Cottage.

However, Matheus Cunha rescued a point for the Red Devils on 89 minutes as his deflected effort left Bernd Leno helpless.

It was an odd game, with numerous chances for both teams, but also a lot of the match being played at a leisurely pace.

Manchester United’s lack of intensity was described as a ‘disgrace’ by Gary Neville, who felt that a 15 minute spell was the worst he had ever seen from a Red Devils team, although Carrick did not agree.

The United manager came under pressure from his own fans late in the match when he took Mainoo off with 10 minutes to play, replacing him with Mason Mount.

In a forgettable performance from the team, Mainoo was arguably Manchester United’s best player and the decision to remove him was met with boos.

However, Carrick was unfazed by the response, saying it is normal and Mainoo did not take the decision badly at all.

‘There’s always going to be certain reactions when you’re making changes,’ said Carrick.

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‘I think Kobbie played well, to be honest, so it was just more of at that stage of the game we’re trying to make something happen and Kobbie understands that. He’s fine, I spoke to him after the game, he’s absolutely fine. He’s all about the team and what’s best.

‘It’s just one of them things. I understand at times when chasing the game everyone’s a little bit emotional, the supporters are, as well they should be, they’re desperate for us to do the right thing. But I don’t take any negatives or offence to it.

‘I think we’ve just got to try and keep doing the right things to get back into the game. The supporters were unbelievable today, I have to say, all the way through, and stuck with the boys and supported the boys. At least we’ve given them something small at the end to take from it, and I’m sure there’s more to come.’

It has been a really poor start to the season from Manchester United, with just five points picked up from games against Hull City, Ipswich Town, Everton, Manchester City and now Fulham.

Carrick said he was ‘disappointed’ after the latest draw, but was looking on the brightside, saying: ‘There are parts we can do better. The way we responded to going down was really pleasing, the boys were really positive and played with good purpose.

‘We’ve got something the supporters can take from the game. They were fantastic again today and kept pushing the boys.

‘I’m convinced we’ll have a good season. We’re having a spell that feels bigger than it actually is to the outside. We’ll get back to winning football matches and we’ll be alright.’

The Red Devils return from the lengthy international break when they take on rock bottom Tottenham on October 10.

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