Matheus Cunha struck a late equaliser to rescue a point for Manchester United in a 1-1 draw at Fulham. The Brazilian forward's 89th-minute effort, which took a deflection off David Affengruber, cancelled out Lisandro Martínez's unfortunate own goal and ended a run of two straight defeats for Michael Carrick's team.
United had been heading for a third consecutive loss after Martínez turned Calvin Bassey’s blocked shot past his own goalkeeper Senne Lammens in the 63rd minute. The visitors had twice hit the woodwork in the first half through Bruno Fernandes and an audacious Martínez half-volley but lacked penetration for long periods. Fulham, more robust than in their previous home games, sat back after going ahead and survived a VAR check for a potential penalty when the ball struck Bassey in the area.
Carrick's relief
Michael Carrick admitted relief was the overriding emotion after the final whistle. "Relief was surely the main thing," the United manager said, acknowledging his players were low on confidence following the derby defeat by Manchester City and a Carabao Cup exit to Brighton. The point lifts United to 13th in the Premier League table with four points from their opening four games, a position they will be desperate to improve when they host Tottenham next.
The result at Craven Cottage, a ground where United have often won in recent seasons, at least stopped the rot. Carrick had anticipated a difficult match and made changes, with Luke Shaw returning to the left side of defence and Matheus Cunha deployed as a false nine ahead of Bruno Fernandes. The midfield pairing of Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo worked hard but United's moves were often predictable. Fulham's Josh King had a chance to double the lead soon after the opener and was later booked for diving after a collision with Harry Maguire.
Cunha's key intervention, assisted by substitute Patrick Dorgu, means United's recent form reads one win, two draws and two losses from their last five outings. They have scored seven and conceded seven this season, leaving them with a zero goal difference. Top scorer Bruno Fernandes, who has three goals this term, struck the post in the first half but was otherwise kept quiet. You can review the team's upcoming schedule and current league position on our fixtures and standings pages.
With Benjamin Sesko absent injured, Carrick will hope the character shown to fight back provides a platform. The team now has a break before their next challenge, a home match against Tottenham at Old Trafford on 10 October.
The report in full is at The Guardian Football
Michael Carrick disputed Matheus Cunha's claim that Manchester United lacked energy in the second half at Fulham. "I don't, particularly," the manager said. "The way we finished the game... It didn't look like that for me." Carrick highlighted the positive response to going behind. The club, now 12th with five points, has scored eight and conceded eight this season. Fulham boss Álvaro Arbeloa claimed decisions went United's way, citing a free-kick before the equaliser.
