Michael Carrick denies Gary Neville claim in staunch defence of Man Utd stars

Michael Carrick insisted Manchester United can still have a “big season” after Gary Neville branded the performance “absolutely pathetic.”

Matheus Cunha’s deflected shot snatched a last-minute draw but the result drew stinging criticism from Sky pundit Neville as United go into the international break languishing in 12th place.

Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa, whose side gained a point to leave Tottenham rock bottom, could also find himself trouble with the FA after claiming refs “don’t like Manchester United to lose” as he was upset with some of Peter Bankes’ decisions.

Neville was very critical on Sky about the way United played at the start of the second half and said: “I've watched Man United since the age of five. That's the worst 15 minutes I've seen them play. Absolutely pathetic.”

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But Carrick, whose side are already ten points behind leaders Manchester City, said: “There’s still a big season ahead. It’s a long season and this is part of the journey.

“I’m not playing it down - we wanted more points. I understand the frustration. But what bothers me is that we want better results.

“We want more points, we're going to have a spell where it's not quite going for you and we've had a spell of that where small things have ended up as big things.

“We don't think things are perfect by any means. We need to win football matches. The supporters were top-drawer again today and we have to give them something to keep shouting about.

“I think we did enough to win the game. I think we could win it. I was pleased with how we responded, the boys kept their belief and kept doing the right things. I think a point is the least we should take.”

Carrick was also asked about Neville's comments and if his side were 'too passive' at Craven Cottage but claimed that he did not share that verdict.

He said: "I didn't think we were. Did you think we were? Football is a difficult game. We controlled a lot of the first half. It's the Premier League and you will have spells where you don't have it all your own way. To expect total dominance for the whole game, I don't think anyone gets that in this league."

He added: "I think we can take a lot from today. I think we can learn a lot as well. We can be better at certain things, that is pretty clear, but there were some god signs today."