August 24, (THEWILL) — Manchester United salvaged their first point of the 2025/2026 English Premier League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon. The result followed United’s opening weekend defeat to Arsenal, whilst Marco Silva’s Fulham side extended their unbeaten start to the new season. Ruben Amorim’s team showed improved attacking intent but defensive vulnerabilities remained evident throughout the contest.
United dominated the opening exchanges with summer signing, Matheus Cunha, causing immediate problems for the Fulham defence. The Brazilian striker struck the post within minutes before forcing Bernd Leno into a brilliant one-on-one save after controlling Altay Bayındır’s long ball expertly. However, United’s momentum stalled when Bruno Fernandes blazed a penalty over the crossbar following Calvin Bassey’s foul on Mason Mount, with VAR confirming referee Chris Kavanagh’s decision to award the spot kick.
The second half brought tactical changes from both managers, with Amorim introducing Benjamin Šeško to inject fresh energy into United’s attack. The substitution paid dividends when Leny Yoro headed home from a Bryan Mbeumo corner, the defender getting the better of Bassey despite a questionable push before his effort deflected off Rodrigo Muniz. Fulham’s response proved immediate, with substitute Emile Smith Rowe equalising just 96 seconds after entering the match, converting Alex Iwobi’s cross from close range.
The final quarter saw Fulham create the better opportunities, with Silva’s tactical adjustments giving his side greater control in midfield areas. United struggled to maintain their earlier attacking threat, relying heavily on set pieces and long balls to create danger. Both goalkeepers were tested sporadically, but neither side could find the decisive goal despite sustained pressure from the hosts in the closing stages.
The draw leaves United with just one point from their opening two fixtures, placing early pressure on Amorim’s project at Old Trafford. Fulham’s disciplined performance and tactical flexibility demonstrated their continued EPL maturity under Silva’s guidance. Both teams will view the result differently, with United needing improvement in final third execution whilst Fulham can take satisfaction from their organised display against higher-profile opposition.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
