Manchester United extend craven cottage run after dramatic 1-1 draw
Manchester United rescued a late 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage thanks to a deflected long-range effort from Matheus Cunha.
The result extended Uniteds unbeaten run away to Fulham to 11 matches while the home side were left frustrated after missing another opportunity to earn their Premier League win since Álvaro Arbeloa took charge.
Match highlight
Both teams showed attacking intent from the opening whistle in a first half packed with chances but no goals. Manchester United came close on when Lisandro Martínez connected with a corner and struck a powerful volley only for Bernd Leno to make a crucial save.
United continued to threaten as Cunha set up Bruno Fernandes with a cut-back. Fernandes struck the post leaving the visitors wondering how they had failed to take the lead. Fulham responded strongly. Created several dangerous moments of their own.
Alex Iwobi delivered a cross towards Josh King at the far post but the forward’s effort was too close to United goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The Belgian goalkeeper then produced another save to deny Sander Berge’s powerful shot. Oscar Bobb also came close after turning past Martínez but his effort went wide.
King had another opportunity after receiving a pass from Iwobi. Lammens blocked his right-footed shot with his heel. At the end Cunha tested Leno with a long-range strike that deflected off Berge and forced the Fulham goalkeeper to push the ball onto the post.
Marcus Rashford also had chances but his finishing lacked accuracy as he continued to search for his first goal since returning to United. The two teams produced 26 shots in the half the highest total in any Premier League first half this season.
The second half began at a slower pace with few attacking moments during the opening 15 minutes. However Fulham eventually broke the deadlock. Calvin Bassey won the ball from Cunha. Drove forward before seeing his shot saved by Lammens. Unfortunately for United Martínez then accidentally turned the rebound into his net.
United pushed hard for an equaliser. Leno denied both Bryan Mbeumo and Cunha. He could not stop the Brazilian’s late effort. Cunha struck from distance. The ball took a heavy deflection off David Affengruber before rolling beyond Leno’s reach.
Fulham held on for a point. They missed the chance to record only their second Premier League victory in 22 meetings with Manchester United. Meanwhile United matched their ever points total after five games, in a Premier League season.
