Late Matheus Cunha goal rescues point for miserable Man Utd at Fulham - 5 talking points

2026-09-20 · Mirror

FULHAM 1-1 MAN UTD: The Red Devils head into the first international break of the window with just one Premier League win to their name following a disappointing draw at Craven Cottage

Manchester United were rescued from another defeat by a late Matheus Cunha goal against Fulham.

Michael Carrick's men struggled to find any rhythm in West London and fell behind as Lisandro Martinez put through his own net midway through the second-half. Despite seemingly heading for defeat, Cunha popped up late on with a deflected effort to salvage a point.

It leaves the Red Devils with just one win to their name and in the midst of their worst-ever Premier League start. Fulham in the meantime are still waiting for their first win under new boss Alvaro Arbeloa.

Here are all of the talking points from Craven Cottage:

Lammens saves United

Michael Carrick's side were indebted to their goalkeeper before the break, with Fulham having a number of opportunities to take the lead. Youngster Josh King had a couple of chances of his own, albeit saw good efforts saved by Senne Lammens.

Sander Berge also went close with a low effort that was parried by the Belgian. Alex Iwobi was also among the players to threaten United's goal throughout the first-half as it lived a charmed life.

King continues to sparkle

Despite being just five games into the new season, this already looks like the season of Josh King at Craven Cottage. The Fulham academy graduate has already established himself as a crucial player under Alvaro Arbeloa.

And his performance against United showed once more why he is so highly-rated. King's movement on the ball is that of an elite ball carrier, while he was also a goal threat against the Red Devils.

He also showed the maturity of a senior player as he dictated instructions to his far more experienced teammates. King looks set to go to the very top.

It's just a shame that he walked away with one blot on his copy book, that being a perceived dive towards the end of the first half.

Martinez mare

For all of Fulham's attacking verve, it was actually a Man United player that put through his own net to put the home side in the lead. The Red Devils failed to get the ball clear, with Matheus Cunha losing out.

Defender Calvin Bassey set his sights from range and saw his effort saved by Lammens. But the ball bounced back off of Argentine defender Martinez and bounced into the bottom corner.

Cunha rescues United in Sesko absence

There was some bad news for United before the game with striker Benjamin Sesko ruled out through injury ahead of kick-off. And despite having not started a Premier League game this season, his absence was felt.

United lacked a focal point throughout the game, with Marcus Rashford and Bryan Mbeumo stationed out wide, while Cunha dropped deep. Not having Sesko on the bench also limited Carrick's options as he attempted to turn the game around.

But to his credit, Cunha still managed to find enough space on the edge of the area to draw United level with his deflected effort.

United's rotten start goes on

Before the trip to Craven Cottage, United had endured their joint worst-ever start to a Premier League season. And despite having found an equaliser, it is still hugely disappointing.

The Red Devils were second best for large chunks of the game as they struggled to match their hosts' insensity and desire.

The draw leaves them 12th in the Premier League table with just five points from five games heading into the international break. It is certainly not the return United chiefs will have wanted after giving Michael Carrick the reins on a full-term basis. He certainly has some questions to answer over the next few weeks.

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