Manchester United avoided defeat in dramatic fashion as Matheus Cunha’s fortunate strike earned a share of the spoils against Fulham, keeping the hosts winless in the Premier League this season.
Lisandro Martinez appeared to have gifted Fulham all three points after an unfortunate own goal at Craven Cottage, one that threatened to hand United a third straight loss. Yet with barely sixty seconds left on the clock, Cunha unleashed a effort from distance that clipped David Affengruber and looped beyond a helpless Bernd Leno, sneaking into the corner. The German shot stopper had little chance given the nature of the deflection, and it came as a cruel blow considering how well he had performed throughout, denying United on multiple occasions as they searched desperately for an equaliser.
The result means Michael Carrick’s men avoid back to back setbacks this week, though they remain stuck in twelfth position, having managed only five points across their opening five fixtures. Fulham sit nineteenth with just two points collected so far.
The opening period saw United gradually assert themselves, with Bruno Fernandes coming agonisingly close when his effort rebounded off the woodwork following a clever pull back from Cunha. That moment sparked a lively spell where both sides exchanged opportunities, Josh King and Oscar Bobb threatening for the home side while Cunha again struck the frame of the goal after his shot deflected awkwardly. Marcus Rashford also spurned a golden chance, firing over from close range before halftime arrived goalless.
The second half began slowly until chaos unfolded, Senne Lammens fumbling a tame effort from Calvin Bassey, leading directly to Martinez inadvertently turning the ball into his own net. United dominated afterward, with Leno repelling efforts from Bryan Mbeumo and Cunha, before the visitors’ persistence finally paid off, leaving both teams with mixed feelings after a share of the points.
