Michael Carrick and Matheus Cunha offered contrasting assessments of Manchester United’s energy levels following the 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Cunha, who scored United’s 89th-minute equaliser, said after the match that Fulham had shown greater energy than United.
“They put in more energy than us — we cannot accept this.”
The forward said United only began playing with the required intensity after falling behind and that the same level needed to be present from the start.
Carrick was subsequently asked whether his side had looked passive during the game and rejected that assessment.
“I didn’t think we did. Did you think we were?”
Carrick said he was happy with United’s energy and pointed to periods of the first half when his side controlled the game and created chances.
The physical-performance figures reported after the match showed Fulham covered 6.6km more distance than United.
The differing assessments came after United recovered from 1-0 down to earn a point through Cunha’s late goal.
United have now collected five points from their opening five Premier League matches.
