Carrick staying positive after Man Utd draw – and gives update on Sesko

Michael Carrick insists Manchester United can take encouragement from the character they showed to rescue a point against Fulham despite admitting his side should have won the game.

United were held to a 1-1 draw, with Carrick left frustrated after seeing his team create enough chances to take all three points.

The United boss felt Fulham goalkeeper Berns Leno was one of the outstanding performers on the pitch, while his side also struck the woodwork twice before falling behind to an unfortunate own goal.

Carrick was, however, pleased with the response from his players as they fought back to earn a late equaliser.

“Disappointed we didn’t win the game, we’ve come to win the game,” Carrick said.

“I think we did a lot in the game to warrant winning it, really, with the opportunities we created. The goalkeeper was probably the man of the match with the saves that he ended up making.

“We hit the post a couple of times and we should have been ahead in the game, really.

“Second half, they had their little phase and then the goal comes from an unfortunate own goal.

“The response after that, I was really pleased with the way we went about trying to get back into the game.

“Even though it came late, I thought the boys did well with that. We kept the ideas, kept the patience, but kept a real purpose to it and got something from it, which finished on a positive.

“It’s a small step for us without getting carried away, but it’s a good step. We came to take three and at least we’ve taken something from the game to build on moving forward.”

The result leaves United with five points from their opening five league games.

Carrick acknowledged it has been a difficult start but insisted there have also been positive signs in United’s performances.

“It’s not been ideal,” he admitted. “I’ve said it before, I think it was always going to come at some point.

“There are pretty fine margins that have flipped it as well.

“I know we can do better, we need to do better at certain things, but at the same point I’m not despondent and down because I think we’ve shown some good signs as well.”

Carrick also dismissed concerns over United’s energy levels after being asked whether Fulham had outrun his side during periods of the game.

“I don’t particularly, really, with the way we finished the game,” he said.

“It didn’t look like that for me. I was quite happy with the way we finished the game. I thought we finished the game really strong and kept pushing, so I don’t think that’s an issue.”

Carrick also addressed the reaction from some United supporters when Kobbie Mainoo was substituted, insisting he understood the frustration from the travelling fans.

“There’s always going to be certain reactions when you’re making changes,” he said.

“I think Kobbie played well, to be honest. It was just more that stage of the game, we’re trying to make something happen.

“Kobbie understands that, he’s fine. I spoke to him after the game and he’s absolutely fine. He’s all about the team and what’s best.

“I understand at times when you’re chasing a game, everyone’s a little bit emotional. The supporters are, so they should be. They’re desperate for us to do the right thing.

“But I don’t take any negatives or offence to it.

“The supporters were unbelievable today, I have to say. All the way through they stuck with the boys and supported the boys, and at least we gave them something small at the end to take from it.”

Carrick accepts supporters may be frustrated by United’s start after renewed optimism heading into the campaign, but stressed there is still plenty of time for his side to turn things around.

“There’s still a big season ahead,” he said.

“It’s a long season. You’re going to have spells through a season, that’s part of the journey through a season. It’s not a sprint, it’s a long effort.

“Of course, I’m not playing it down. We wanted more points from it, I’m not saying everything’s great.

“But I understand the frustration, of course I do, because we wanted to be better and we wanted to do other things.

“But deflation is certainly not what we have within the club and within the group, and the players didn’t have that on the pitch today.

“That’s what will carry us through the season, without a doubt.”

Carrick also confirmed Benjamin Sesko is experiencing pain in his shin, which is why he was not involved against Fulham.

“We’re not sure with Ben yet,” he said.

“He felt a bit of pain after the game. We’re assessing him at the moment.

“He definitely wasn’t ready for today, so I haven’t really got any more news to give you at this point. We’ll have to see what that brings.”