Manchester United clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage, courtesy of a deflected strike by Lisandro Martinez in the 78th minute. In a match dominated by missed opportunities and uninspired play, Martinez’s goal ensured the visitors walked away with all three points, much to Fulham’s dismay.
A Game of Few Highlights
The match began with Fulham asserting dominance in the first half, as the hosts created better opportunities. Alex Iwobi tested United goalkeeper Andre Onana early with a low-driven shot, while Raul Jimenez squandered two promising chances. In one instance, Jimenez’s heavy first touch inside the box denied him a clear scoring opportunity, while a second attempt went high over the bar, leaving Fulham to rue missed chances.
Manchester United, under Ruben Amorim, adopted a defensive setup, resulting in an unambitious first half. The team struggled to connect their defensive, midfield, and attacking lines, with passes frequently intercepted by Fulham’s disciplined backline. Despite Fulham’s dominance, the game remained goalless at halftime.
Martinez Breaks the Deadlock
The second half offered little improvement in quality, with both teams failing to carve out meaningful chances for much of the game. However, with just over ten minutes remaining, United finally broke the deadlock.
Martinez, the Argentine center-back, ventured forward and unleashed a shot from outside the box. His effort deflected off Fulham’s Sasa Lukic, sending the ball looping over goalkeeper Bernd Leno into the net. The goal, United’s first and only shot on target, was met with wild celebrations from the traveling fans, who chanted Amorim’s name in the closing stages.
Fulham’s Late Push Falls Short
Desperate to salvage a point, Fulham pushed forward in the final minutes. Defender Joachim Andersen came close to equalizing with a powerful header, but substitute Toby Collyer made a crucial clearance off the line to preserve United’s lead.
In stoppage time, United’s Amad Diallo thought he had sealed the win with a second goal, only for it to be ruled offside by VAR.
The final whistle confirmed Manchester United’s back-to-back victories, including their Europa League win against Rangers earlier in the week, lifting them to 12th in the Premier League table. Meanwhile, Fulham remained in 10th place, their unbeaten home record since November brought to an end.
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Post-Match Reactions
United manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged his team’s lackluster performance but praised their resilience. “It wasn’t our best display, but credit to the players for fighting till the end. These are the games that test our character, and today we showed grit,” he said.
Fulham boss Marco Silva expressed disappointment over the result. “We were the better side in the first half and had our chances. Unfortunately, in football, if you don’t take them, you risk being punished, and that’s exactly what happened,” he remarked.
United’s Habit of Late Goals
Late goals have become a recurring theme for Manchester United in recent weeks. Amad Diallo’s hat-trick in the 3-1 win against Southampton and Bruno Fernandes’ 90th-minute goal against Rangers underline the team’s ability to grind out results in the dying moments of matches.
While this victory highlights their determination, it also exposed weaknesses in creativity and cohesion, which Amorim must address to sustain their climb up the table.
Fulham’s Missed Opportunity
Fulham, on the other hand, will rue their missed chances and lack of composure in the second half. The defeat ends their impressive home run and serves as a reminder of the importance of clinical finishing.
Despite the loss, Fulham’s solid first-half display showcased their potential, with players like Iwobi and Antonee Robinson standing out. Silva will aim to rebuild the team’s confidence and ensure they capitalize on their opportunities in upcoming fixtures.
Player of the Match
Substitute Toby Collyer earned the Player of the Match title for his decisive defensive contribution. His goal-line clearance in the dying moments proved pivotal in securing United’s victory.
Looking Ahead
For Manchester United, the win injects much-needed momentum into their campaign as they prepare to face Tottenham next weekend. Fulham, meanwhile, will look to bounce back when they take on Crystal Palace in a London derby.
While this match will not be remembered for its quality, it will be a reminder of how fine margins can decide outcomes in the Premier League. For United, it’s another step forward, albeit one that leaves questions lingering about their form and strategy.