Manchester United salvaged a late Premier League point at Craven Cottage as Matheus Cunha struck in the 89th minute to cancel out Lisandro Martínez’s unfortunate own goal and secure a 1-1 draw with Fulham.
After a goalless first half, the visitors appeared to have the greater control for long stretches, finishing with 57.3 per cent possession and a striking 29 shots. Yet Fulham were disciplined without the ball and carried a threat of their own, registering 12 attempts and six shots on target.
The first half ended level at 0-0, with Fulham’s Josh King booked on 45 minutes. Timothy Castagne followed into the book shortly after the restart, but the home side continued to frustrate United and limit the damage from a relentless supply of pressure and set-pieces.
Fulham broke through in the 63rd minute, taking the lead when Lisandro Martínez turned the ball into his own net. It was a pivotal moment in a tight fixture, handing the hosts a platform to protect while United searched for a response.
The visitors kept pushing, winning 13 corners to Fulham’s three and producing 21 shot assists. Fulham’s resistance looked set to deliver all three points, despite Rodrigo Muniz receiving a yellow card in the 85th minute, but United found their equaliser at the death. Matheus Cunha scored in the 89th minute to make it 1-1 and ensure the pressure finally told.
It was a legitimate share of the points in a contest of contrasting strengths: United supplied the volume and late urgency, while Fulham showed organisation and resilience before being denied in the closing stages. Both sides had six efforts on target, underlining how closely contested the fixture ultimately was despite United’s advantage in territory and attempts.
Fulham next host Ipswich Town on October 10, while Manchester United return to action away to Tottenham Hotspur on the same day.
