Cunha's Deflected Equaliser Eases Pressure in Manchester United's Draw at Fulham
Manchester United narrowly avoided a third straight defeat after Matheus Cunha's late deflected goal secured a 1-1 draw at Fulham, but questions about the club's form and Michael Carrick's future remain.
By Grace Whitfield · First published 20 Sept 2026
In brief
- Manchester United drew 1-1 with Fulham after a late 89th-minute goal from Matheus Cunha.
- United were close to a third consecutive defeat, which would have intensified scrutiny on manager Michael Carrick.
- Carrick has publicly dismissed speculation about his job security, calling concerns over recent results premature.
- After a poor start to the season, United have only one league win and have exited the League Cup.
- The result relieves immediate pressure but leaves United needing better performances after the international break.
Timeline · 6 moments
Carrick dismisses speculation about Manchester United job security
Sky Sports ↗Carrick says poor start is not catastrophic for United
Home | GB News ↗Carrick takes responsibility as pressure increases
The42 ↗Cunha's late goal earns United a draw at Fulham
Sky Sports ↗Carrick credits team's belief in comeback against Fulham
BBC Sport ↗Draw relieves immediate crisis but questions remain for Carrick
World News CNA ↗How it started
Manchester United entered the match against Fulham under mounting pressure. The team had just suffered two consecutive defeats, including a league loss and an early exit from the League Cup.
Manager Michael Carrick was facing increasing criticism for United's poor start to the season. Despite this, he told reporters that it was "not the end of the world" and described speculation over his future as "ridiculous," according to the BBC and Sky Sports.
How it unfolded
On 18 September, Carrick addressed media questions about his job security, insisting that two or three bad results were not enough to warrant panic. He maintained that he expected a challenging start and was prepared to take responsibility for the team's form.
When Manchester United travelled to Craven Cottage to face Fulham, the pressure was evident. Fulham scored first, leaving United on the brink of a third consecutive defeat. As the match neared its end, United struggled to find a breakthrough.
In the 89th minute, Matheus Cunha managed to level the score with a deflected shot, rescuing a point for United. The goal was described as fortunate, but it was enough to avoid another loss and ease the immediate sense of crisis.
After the match, Carrick said he was impressed by his players' belief and fight to come from behind, though he acknowledged there was still much work to be done.
Where it stands
The 1-1 draw at Fulham has prevented Manchester United from sliding further into crisis, but the team remains in a difficult position. They have just one win in the league so far and have already been eliminated from the League Cup.
Carrick remains under scrutiny, with many observers noting that the team's performances must improve quickly. The international break offers a brief respite, but the pressure will return as soon as the league resumes.
What to watch
Attention will turn to how Manchester United respond after the international break. The club's next few fixtures could determine whether Carrick can turn the season around or if calls for change grow louder. Supporters and pundits will be watching for signs of improvement in both results and performances.


