Manchester United were forced to settle for a point at Craven Cottage after Matheus Cunha scored a late equaliser to rescue a 1-1 draw against Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday.
United appeared to be heading towards another frustrating defeat after Lisandro Martínez turned the ball into his own net in the second half. However, Cunha struck in the 89th minute, with his effort taking a decisive deflection off Fulham defender David Affengruber before beating Bernd Leno.
The result ensured Manchester United avoided a third consecutive defeat and left both sides sharing the points in a dramatic finish.
United started the match with plenty of attacking intent and created a number of opportunities during the opening period. Michael Carrick’s side registered 17 shots in the first half, although only two were on target, as Fulham’s defence repeatedly managed to frustrate the visitors.
Bruno Fernandes came particularly close to breaking the deadlock when his effort struck the post. The Portugal international was heavily involved in United’s attacking play, while Marcus Rashford also threatened the Fulham defence but could not convert his opportunities.
Fulham gradually grew into the contest and began creating problems of their own. Alex Iwobi, Oscar Bobb and Josh King were among the home side’s dangerous attacking players, while Fulham’s midfield battled hard to prevent United from controlling the game.
Senne Lammens also produced an important performance in the United goal, making several saves to keep the visitors in the contest.
Despite the chances at both ends, neither team could find the breakthrough before half-time.
The second half produced the game’s opening goal, although it came from a moment United would rather forget.
Fulham went ahead in the 63rd minute after Calvin Bassey’s low effort created confusion inside the Manchester United penalty area. Lammens managed to get a hand to the ball but could only parry it into a dangerous area.
Lisandro Martínez attempted to deal with the loose ball, but his intervention went horribly wrong. The Argentine defender inadvertently redirected the ball into his own net, giving Fulham a 1-0 lead.
The goal changed the mood inside Craven Cottage, with Fulham sensing an opportunity to secure their first Premier League victory of the season.
United responded by increasing the pressure. Carrick made several substitutions as his team searched for a way back into the match, while Fulham attempted to protect their advantage and exploit spaces left behind by the visitors.
The Cottagers had opportunities to extend their lead.
Josh King was among those who threatened the United goal, while Fulham continued to find openings through their attacking players. United’s defence, however, managed to survive the pressure and keep the deficit at one goal.
The visitors then produced their decisive moment.
With the match approaching the final minute of normal time, Cunha found space to get a shot away. His effort appeared to be heading towards the Fulham goal, but the ball struck David Affengruber and changed direction.
The deflection wrong-footed Leno and sent the ball into the net in the 89th minute.
United had their equaliser.
It was Cunha’s fifth goal in seven appearances against Fulham, making the Brazilian forward a particularly troublesome opponent for the London club.
The late goal transformed the final minutes into a frantic battle.
United pushed forward looking for a winner, while Fulham attempted to regain their composure and create one final opportunity. Neither side, however, could find the decisive second goal.
There were also several yellow cards during the encounter. Manchester United players booked included Bryan Mbeumo, Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu. Fulham’s cautions went to Joachim Andersen, Kenny Tete, Timothy Castagne, Calvin Bassey and Carlos Palacios. No player was sent off.
The match also produced notable efforts against the woodwork. Fernandes struck the post for United, while Cunha also hit the frame of the goal during the match.
Despite United’s late rescue, the draw leaves Michael Carrick’s side still searching for consistency after a difficult opening to the campaign. Fulham, meanwhile, will feel they missed an opportunity to claim their first league victory of the season after leading until the 89th minute.
For United, the point at least prevented another defeat and offered a late moment of relief heading into the international break.
Cunha’s deflected strike ultimately proved enough to save the visitors, while Martínez’s unfortunate own goal had earlier threatened to hand Fulham all three points.
The final whistle confirmed a dramatic 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage, with both teams left to reflect on chances missed and opportunities lost.
Final Score: Fulham 1-1 Manchester United
Goals:
Lisandro Martínez 63′ (own goal)
Matheus Cunha 89′ (deflected effort)
Key Woodwork: Bruno Fernandes hit the post; Matheus Cunha also struck the frame.
