Manchester United secured a 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday, matching their worst start to a Premier League season in over a decade. The result left United with a low points total after five matches, only equaling the tally recorded during Louis van Gaal’s inaugural 2014-15 campaign.

The match at Craven Cottage took an unexpected turn shortly after the hour mark when United’s centre back Lisandro Martínez inadvertently scored an own goal, putting Fulham ahead. The visitors pressed for an equaliser, but a tactical substitution by interim head coach Michael Carrick drew a negative reaction from the traveling fans. Carrick replaced midfielder Kobbie Mainoo with Mason Mount, prompting loud boos from the United supporters.

Addressing the response, Carrick acknowledged the emotional intensity among both players and fans. “There’s always going to be certain reactions when you’re making changes,” he said. “I think Kobbie played well. But at that stage of the game we’re trying to make something happen, and Kobbie understands that.”

Carrick added that Mainoo was untroubled by the decision and remained focused on the team’s objectives. “I spoke to him after the game. He’s absolutely fine. He’s all about the team and what’s best,” Carrick said. “I understand at times when you’re chasing a game, everyone’s a little bit emotional. The supporters are. And so they should be. They’re desperate for us to do the right thing.”

United salvaged a point in the dying moments, as a late effort from Matheus Cunha deflected off a defender into the net. The draw left Tottenham Hotspur at the bottom of the Premier League table, following their defeat to Fulham earlier in the day.

Looking ahead, Manchester United will return to Old Trafford after the upcoming international break to face Tottenham, seeking to improve their position in the early stages of the season.