Manchester United's wait for a first win of the 2025-26 Premier League season has continued, as Fulham came from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon.
After last weekend's promising but fruitless attacking display against Arsenal, deja vu reared its ugly head for Man United in the first half, where Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount carried the threat to the Fulham backline without reward.
A wild penalty over the bar from Bruno Fernandes added to the frustration, while Marco Silva's men came close to exploiting Altay Bayindir's weaknesses from corners on a few occasions, but there were no strikes to be had in the opening 45.
Ironically, it was Ruben Amorim's men who broke the deadlock via a dead-ball situation, as Leny Yoro's header from a corner took a major deflection off of Rodrigo Muniz and wrong-footed Bernd Leno.
There was a hint of a foul in the build-up to the opening goal, but Fulham were having their moments in attack and deservedly drew themselves level 15 minutes later, as substitute Emile Smith Rowe equalised with his first touch of the ball.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Manchester United's Leny Yoro celebrates on August 24, 2025
For those of a Fulham persuasion, justice was very much served.
The Craven Cottage faithful could have initially had no complaints had they gone behind in the first half; Amorim's fired-up attackers looked the likelier to score, and Bassey's wrestling throw on Mount was a clear penalty, although there was the argument that Luke Shaw may have also fouled Muniz at the same time.
However, Fernandes was guilty of letting his emotions get the better of him after an innocuous coming together with the referee, and he may never hit a worse penalty for as long as he plays professional football.
Bassey could not remonstrate about the penalty incident, but he certainly had a case for Man United's opening goal, as Yoro clearly pushed the defender with two hands before his header nestled into the back of the net via Muniz.
Super sub Smith Rowe did what he does best to save Fulham's bacon, though, and Silva's side would have ultimately been worthy winners after generating a few late chances. For Amorim, early promise was replaced with late dissatisfaction; time to unleash Benjamin Sesko from the start?
FULHAM VS. MAN UNITED HIGHLIGHTS
Bruno Fernandes penalty miss vs. Fulham (38th min, Fulham 0-0 Man United)
"That is an ugly one"
Bruno Fernandes SMASHES his penalty over the bar! ? pic.twitter.com/z5LKhftUxo
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 24, 2025
Scorer of 11 successive penalties before today, Fernandes wastes a golden chance to break the deadlock from 12 yards!
The Red Devils are awarded a spot kick following a VAR review, as Bassey threw Mount to the floor WWE style at a corner, although Chris Kavanagh does not use those exact terms when explaining the decision to the crowd.
Fernandes steps up to the plate but gets his penalty horribly wrong, blazing his effort over the top; the United captain and Kavanagh lightly got in each other's way before the spot kick, prompting the Portuguese to complain and perhaps lose his focus.
Rodrigo Muniz goal vs. Fulham (58th min, Fulham 0-1 Man United)
Leny Yoro scores his first Premier League goal! ? pic.twitter.com/hytl4QO0sN
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 24, 2025
For all of Man United - or more specifically Bayindir's - frailties from set-pieces, Amorim's men have their first goal of the Premier League season thanks to a set-piece!
Bryan Mbeumo's inswinging delivery is met by Yoro, whose header may be going on target anyway, but a wicked deflection off of Muniz leaves Bernd Leno stranded as the ball trickles into the net.
Yoro nudged Bassey out of his path with two hands to the back, and the Fulham defender naturally pleads his case for a foul, but his cries fall on deaf ears.
Emile Smith Rowe goal vs. Man United (73rd min, Fulham 1-1 Man United)
Emile Smith Rowe equalises for Fulham!
"Magic first touch" ? pic.twitter.com/Sc7tPgU7eB
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 24, 2025
Barely a minute and a half after entering the fray, Smith Rowe makes his penalty-box presence felt!
Diogo Dalot is the first guilty party, being robbed of possession by Alex Iwobi, who combines with Antonee Robinson before sending an inswinging cross in from the left.
Raul Jimenez cannot get there, but Smith Rowe makes a dart into the six-yard box and pokes in from close range, leaving Bayindir with no chance.
Fulham's Joachim Andersen pictured on August 9, 2025
Matthijs de Ligt would have been a worthy candidate for this prize, but the Dutchman was culpable for Smith Rowe's leveller; rather than stick a leg out to intercept the cross, he allowed the ball to sail past his body into Smith Rowe's path.
Instead, fellow centre-back Joachim Andersen takes home the accolade, having excelled both in the air and on the ground; the Dane made nine clearances, won three of his four aerial duels and completed eight of his 12 long passes in a performance that warranted at least one point.
FULHAM VS. MAN UNITED MATCH STATS
Possession: Fulham 52%-48% Man United
Shots: Fulham 14-10 Man United
Shots on target: Fulham 4-3 Man United
Corners: Fulham 9-6 Man United
Fouls: Fulham 12-10 Man United
BEST STATS
29 - Since the start of last season, Genoa (30) are the only team in Europe's big five leagues who have failed to score a first-half goal in more games than Manchester United (29). Empty-handed. pic.twitter.com/R1d1mqvtyc
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 24, 2025
Altay Bayindir was the only Manchester United player to create a big chance in the first half vs. Fulham.
He's the first GK to create a big chance in the Premier League this season. ? pic.twitter.com/Z1NZxHbeLO
— Squawka (@Squawka) August 24, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
EFL Cup matters now take priority for both clubs, as Fulham host Bristol City in Wednesday's second-round tie, while Man United head to League Two outfit Grimsby Town on the same evening.
The Cottagers then head to Stamford Bridge for a Premier League West London derby with Chelsea next Saturday lunchtime, a couple of hours before Amorim's men host Burnley at Old Trafford.
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