Manchester United salvaged a 1-1 draw at Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday, with substitute Matheus Cunha scoring an 89th-minute equaliser at Craven Cottage. Fulham had taken the lead in the 63rd minute when United defender Leny Yoro inadvertently turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz.
United manager Michael Carrick, who took charge on an interim basis last season before being appointed permanently, saw his side struggle to break down a disciplined Fulham defence for much of the match. Fulham created the better chances in the first half, with Andreas Pereira forcing a save from United goalkeeper André Onana, while United's best opportunity fell to Bruno Fernandes, who shot wide from the edge of the box.
Carrick made attacking changes in the second half, introducing Cunha and Amad Diallo, and the substitutions paid off when Cunha latched onto a loose ball inside the penalty area and fired past Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno. The goal extended United's unbeaten start to the season, while Fulham remain without a win at home.
Fulham manager Marco Silva expressed frustration after the match, saying his team deserved more from the game. "We controlled large parts of the match and created enough chances to win," Silva said. "But in the Premier League, you have to be clinical, and we weren't." United captain Bruno Fernandes admitted his side were below par: "We didn't play well, but we showed character to come back. It's a point away from home, and we have to improve."
United next face a home fixture against Brighton, while Fulham travel to Everton. Both teams will look to build momentum in the coming weeks as the Premier League season intensifies.
