Five lessons we’ve learnt from Manchester United’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Fulham in the Premier League.
It was yet another poor performance for Manchester United in the Premier League as the Red Devils could only manage a draw against 19th-placed Fulham.
Michael Carrick’s side failed to create many clear-cut chances in a low-intensity match, as a late, deflected Matheus Cunha equaliser bailed them out at Craven Cottage.
The home side, Alvaro Arbeloa’s Fulham, will come away from the match disappointed to have just a point to their name.
We’ve assessed the five key learnings from the match, as the Red Devils head into a three-week international break with just one win in the league.
A passive performance
After successive poor performances, Manchester United really needed to head into the international window with a feeling of optimism.
Their match against Fulham gave no signs of hope, and the players on the pitch gave Michael Carrick no fight.
United were ineffective with their pressing, slow on the counter attack and overall looked like a lacklustre team.
United stuck without Fernandes firing
Bruno Fernandes hasn’t hit the heights he has done so often so far in the 2026/27 season, and Manchester United haven’t been able to either without their star man at the top of his game.
The Red Devils appeared directionless and passive – a key theme in the matches in the new campaign.
It’s a squad that hasn’t been well-managed, and the midfield rebuild this summer is yet to bear any fruits.
United out of options
The transfer window didn’t help Michael Carrick with the overall make-up of his squad, with the midfield the sole area of reinforcement.
With Benjamin Sesko out injured in this game, United could only look to Joshua Zirkzee to come off the bench – a player who has just nine goals to his name in two years at the club.
Matheus Cunha shoehorned once again
Matheus Cunha played as United’s central striker once again in this match, as the Red Devils were without last summer’s marquee striker signing Benjamin Sesko.
Cunha is no focal point, and didn’t help the Red Devils as they attempted to find some source of finding dominance throughout the ninety.
Carrick and United will be hoping to get their star in Sesko back and ready for the next set of matches after the international break.
International break timely
The international break has come at a good time.
United need to regroup and find new tactical ideas, as well as getting Benjamin Sesko and new signing Carlos Baleba back up to full fitness.
Over the break, Michael Carrick will feel the pressure starting to mount as the stakes get higher and higher.