Manchester United Held to Frustrating Draw by Fulham at Craven Cottage

Manchester United’s Premier League season struggled to find momentum again as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham, with Emile Smith Rowe coming off the bench to snatch a point for the hosts late in the second half.

First Half: United Miss Their Chances

Ruben Amorim’s United side started strongly. Matheus Cunha nearly opened the scoring inside two minutes, but his shot hit the post and flew out. United kept pressing and earned a penalty after Calvin Bassey dragged Mason Mount to the ground in full view of VAR. However, captain Bruno Fernandes blazed his spot-kick high, missing a golden opportunity to put his side ahead. Fulham created chances of their own, with Josh King denied by a quick save from Altay Bayindir.

Second Half: Dramatic Lead and Fulham Response

It was United who eventually broke the deadlock when teenage centre-back Leny Yoro rose highest from a corner, his header deflecting off Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz and wrongfooting goalkeeper Bernd Leno for United’s first goal of the season. But Fulham responded with determination. In the 72nd minute, substitute Emile Smith Rowe connected with Alex Iwobi’s cross, finding space and turning home the equalizer just minutes after coming on the pitch.

United’s Summer Spending Under Scrutiny

Despite lining up a new-look £200 million frontline — featuring Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo — United struggled to convert their attacking options into goals. In the final moments, substitute Harry Maguire nearly won the game with a header from Fernandes’s corner, but the attempt sailed inches wide, leaving United fans frustrated over another missed opportunity.

Quotes and Reactions

Fulham manager Marco Silva praised his team’s spirit and the impact of substitutes: “The commitment with the plan, the attitude, the will and the desire as well as the players who came in, they made a difference too… They created some moments from set pieces, they scored and there was a great reaction from the boys. I’m proud of the fans and how they were with us.”

United manager Ruben Amorim lamented Fernandes’ penalty miss, indicating its importance: “He knows the importance that this moment can have [and make a] huge impact on the team.”

Conclusion

United’s draw against Fulham extends their winless streak at the start of the season, raising questions about their expensive summer signings and ongoing struggles in front of goal. Fulham, meanwhile, demonstrated resilience and snatched a deserved point with Smith Rowe’s immediate impact.

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