Carrick responds to fans’ boos after subbing Kobbie Mainoo in Manchester United-Fulham dramatic draw
By Luke Oluoch, September 21, 2026Manchester United coach Michael Carrick has spoken out about the away boos that followed his decision to withdraw midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in the late stages of United’s 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Reacting to the round of jeers from the travelling fans after the English youngster was subbed off for Mason Mount with ten minutes to go, Carrick said:
Emotions and frustrations
“There is always going to be a certain reaction when you make changes. Sometimes there is emotion, and supporters are rightly desperate for us to get something. I do not take any negative thing out of it; they [the fans] were unbelievable all the way through today. I think Kobbie played well, to be honest—it was just more that; at that stage of the game, we were trying to make something happen.”
He added that he spoke to the midfielder about the decision, which he described as part of his tactical tweaks as they tried to chase the game at Fulham after going down to a Lisandro Martinez own goal.
“Kobbie understands that. I have spoken to him after the game about it, and he’s absolutely fine. He is all about the team and what is best for the team.”
The gaffer has remained positive, drawing encouragement from United’s performances despite results not quite going their way, and remains just as optimistic.
“It’s the first time we’ve had a little spell where results have not quite gone to plan, and you learn about each other—you know, they learn about me, I learn about them, how we respond, and what it looks like moving forward. That is part of growing as a group,” he insisted.
Carrick on United’s inconsistent start
“I think we did a lot in the game to warrant winning it really, given the opportunities we created. I think their goalkeeper’s probably man of the match with the saves he ended up making, and we hit the post a couple of times.”
The Englishman’s comments come after he acknowledged the fact that United have not had the best start to the league but warned fans against deflation that could derail their comeback plan.
He stressed that he fully comprehends the frustrations behind the slow start, and was not in any way downplaying the poor start to the campaign.