Manchester United’s wait for their first victory of the new season continued after they surrendered a second-half lead in a 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The Red Devils went ahead shortly before the hour mark when Leny Yoro’s header deflected off Rodrigo Muniz and wrongfooted Bernd Leno, giving the visitors a deserved lead.
Fulham boss Marco Silva responded by introducing Emile Smith Rowe, and the substitute made an immediate impact, turning Alex Iwobi’s delivery past Altay Bayindir with his very first touch in the 72nd minute to level the score.
Despite a goalless first half, chances were abundant, particularly for Manchester United. The best opportunity fell to captain Bruno Fernandes, who was awarded a penalty following a VAR review after Calvin Bassey fouled Mason Mount inside the box. Usually clinical from the spot, Fernandes blazed his effort over the bar, summing up a frustrating opening period for the visitors.
Ruben Amorim introduced Benjamin Sesko in place of Casemiro early in the second half, and seven minutes later, United’s breakthrough arrived from the unlikely source of Yoro. However, Fulham’s quick response cancelled out the advantage, keeping United under pressure.
Late in the game, substitute Harry Maguire almost snatched victory for United, but his header drifted wide, leaving Erik ten Hag’s side to rue missed chances as Fulham held firm to secure a point.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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