Manchester United defeated Fulham at Craven Cottage by 1-0.
The rejected blow of Lisandar Martinez proved to be a decisive match in a match where the chances were great.
The first half was far from the offensive spectacle, neither side managed to imprint its authority into the game.
Fulham started great, and Alex Iwobi was making problems on his left flank. The Nigerian wing has twice tried Andrea onan, but failed to truly blur the United goalkeeper.
Fulham’s best opportunity at halftime was in the hands of Emile Smith Rowe, who found himself one -on -one with onan but failed to hit the target, raising his attempt to harmlessly over the goal.
United, meanwhile, was hard to go into the game. Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes showed a glimmer of creativity, but the guests hit only one goal in the first 45 minutes – which is their lowest result in the first half in the Premier League match since April 2024.
These are three points away for Reds 🔴👊#Mufc || #Fulmun
– Manchester United (@Manutnd) 26. January 2025
The second half began in the same spirit, both teams struggled to create significant opportunities.
Fulham introduced Rodriga Muniz and Adam Traore in an attempt to inject energy into their attack, while United made several changes, including the introduction of Kobbie Mainoo and Joshue Zirkzee. However, clear opportunities remained unattainable and the match seemed to be tried for Pat position.
The reversal came in the 78th minute, and it was a moment of happiness for the guests. Garnach’s withdrawal on the left was found by Toby Collyer, who failed to hit the ball.
The ball bounced to Martinez, who hit outside the penalty area. His ambitious effort hardly declined Sasha Lukic, crossing Bernd Leno into a corner. Craven Cottage was stunned and United led.
Fulham threw everything on United in the last moments. Timothy Castagne and Muniz were close and Muniz took the golden opportunity from close range deep in the referee’s compensation
The chaotic sequence saw the corner of Andreas Pereire, who hit Joachim Andersen, just to take Collyer off the line. Fulham appealed for the goal, but repeated matches confirmed that the ball had not passed.
United thought he added a second in the last moments when Mainoo and Amad Diallo combined beautifully and the latter hit. However, Var intervened, awarding a hit for the offsids, leaving Fulham with a weak hope.
Despite the late pressure of Fulham, United managed to win a key three points.
