Martinez secures scrappy win for Manchester United
Fulham 0 - 1 Manchester United
Lisandro MartÃnez’s deflected strike secured a scrappy win for Manchester United in a lacklustre encounter at Craven Cottage, with the visitors edging Fulham 1-0.
The match had been devoid of quality for over 75 minutes, as both sides laboured to create meaningful opportunities. But just as the game seemed destined to drift into a goalless stalemate, MartÃnez ventured to the edge of the box and unleashed a shot that ricocheted off Sasa Lukić, looping beyond a helpless Bernd Leno.
Remarkably, it was United’s first effort on target – a cruel twist for Fulham, who were the better side in the opening half but failed to make their dominance count. Raúl Jiménez squandered a golden chance when Antonee Robinson’s delivery found him unmarked, only for the Mexican striker to mis control before firing over the bar.
United, who had edged Fulham with a late goal at Old Trafford in August, once again left Marco Silva’s side ruing missed chances. MartÃnez’s effort proved decisive, but the visitors needed a last-ditch intervention from substitute Toby Collyer, who cleared Joachim Andersen’s header off the line in the dying minutes.
Premier League: 2024/2025 season
Amad Diallo thought he had sealed the win in stoppage time with what would have been his fourth Premier League goal in three games, but the video assistant referee ruled it out for offside.
The victory capped a positive week for Ruben Amorim’s side, following their Europa League triumph over Rangers, and lifted them to 12th in the table. Fulham remain in 10th, frustrated by a result that masked United’s shortcomings.
A closer look at what happened
United’s travelling supporters, who made the long journey south, celebrated MartÃnez’s winner raucously, chanting Amorim’s name as the game wound down. Yet the jubilant scenes couldn’t disguise another disjointed performance.
Before the goal, United had offered little to trouble Leno, with Bruno Fernandes’ speculative free-kick the only moment of note in a toothless first 77 minutes. A defensive setup stifled their attacking fluency, and large gaps between the defence, midfield, and attack rendered transitions ineffective as Fulham easily broke up their play.
Still, United’s recent knack for late goals continues. Amad Diallo’s hat-trick after the 80th minute in the 3-1 win over Southampton earlier this month, and Fernandes’ 90th-minute strike against Rangers midweek, underline their ability to conjure decisive moments when it matters most.
While the overall display lacked inspiration, three wins from their last four matches offer a glimmer of hope for a side desperate to climb the Premier League table.
