United looked set for a third consecutive defeat when Lisandro Martinez's unfortunate own goal put Fulham ahead in the 63rd minute. However, Matheus Cunha's deflected effort rescued a point late on.

It means United have won just one of their opening five Premier League matches, leaving Carrick's side with plenty to improve during the international break.

United had struggled to match Fulham's energy for long periods, but Carrick rejected the suggestion that his team lacked intensity.

"I didn't think we were," Carrick said when asked if United had been passive. "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."

After defeats by Manchester City in the Premier League and Brighton in the League Cup, another loss would have increased the pressure on United. Carrick was therefore encouraged by the response after Fulham took the lead.

"I thought we should have won the game, I thought we created enough to win the game," he said.

"The boys could have thought 'it is one of those days' but I really like the reaction. We nearly won it in the end.

"We came to get the win of course, the way it panned out and the way we finished is the positive we take from it."

Carrick acknowledged that United still have plenty to work on, but believes there were signs of progress.

"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 good signs today."

The United manager also insisted he was not allowing the poor run of results to affect him.

"What bothers me is that we want better results," Carrick said. "We're going to have a spell where it's not quite going for you.

"We don't think things are perfect by any means. We need to win football matches."

Cunha's assessment was more critical. The Brazilian felt United only found their urgency after going behind and warned that the same pattern could not continue.

"After the goal, we played much better with a lot of enthusiasm and character. This needs to be from the start," Cunha said.

"In the beginning of the second half they put in more energy than us and we cannot accept this.

"We always play better after conceding a goal, and it cannot be like this. We need to improve in every single position."

United now have the international break to regroup before returning to action against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 10.

Last-gasp drama as Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu share spoils