Manchester United were forced to settle for a draw at Craven Cottage on Sunday after Bruno Fernandes skied a first-half penalty and Emile Smith Rowe struck late to cancel out a Rodrigo Muniz own goal created by Leny Yoro.
Like against Arsenal a week earlier, United played well, created the better chances, and yet came away with just a single point.
Amorim’s side are showing signs of progress, but once again didn’t get the result they might have done having created and missed plenty of chances.
The Captain’s Nightmare
The defining moment of the game came deep into the first half. Mason Mount was hauled down at a corner and, after a long VAR delay, Fernandes stepped up from the spot. Normally so composed and reliable, he blasted his effort over the bar.
Referee Chris Kavanagh had accidentally bumped into Bruno as he stepped back to take his run-up. Did this get into his head?
It was his first miss in nearly two years, and it seemed to affect him for the rest of the game. He was quiet in possession and, worse still, he failed to track Smith Rowe’s run for Fulham’s equaliser. A leader who so often delivers in big moments endured one of his poorest afternoons in a United shirt.
Yoro Provides the Breakthrough
There were positives once again in defence, with Leny Yoro producing another composed display. The teenager dominated his duels and helped create United’s goal with a towering header from Fernandes’ corner that deflected off Rodrigo Muniz and past Leno.
It may have gone down as an own goal, but it was Yoro’s aggression and timing that made it possible. Alongside Matthijs de Ligt he looked assured, and once again showed why Amorim pushed so hard to bring him in.
Missed Chances…again
United’s brightest attacking spark was Matheus Cunha, who was lively from the first whistle. He fired just over inside two minutes, then rattled the post moments later after linking with Mount. A stunning first touch from a Bayindir long pass nearly produced a spectacular goal, only for Leno to save brilliantly.
Cunha faded after the break, however, and with Mbeumo well contained by Bassey, United’s attacking edge dulled. Sesko entered in the second half but was ineffective, while Mount worked tirelessly without quite finding the decisive pass.
Bayindir Under Scrutiny
Altay Bayindir once again offered a mixed performance. He produced a good save with his feet to deny Josh King and distributed well to spark Cunha’s chance, but his hesitancy at corners remains a problem. Just as against Arsenal, he looked uncomfortable under pressure and failed to command his area with authority.
With Onana edging back to fitness, Amorim must soon decide whether to persist with Bayindir or restore his first-choice keeper. United are also edging closer to the signing of Royal Antwerps young keeper Senne Lammens, who could also challenge for the Number 1 spot.
Player ratings & MOTM
Bayindir – 5: Some smart saves but unconvincing from corners.
Yoro – 8 & MOTM: Calm defensively and decisive at the other end.
De Ligt – 7: Organised well and dealt with Muniz.
Shaw – 6: Assured but switched off for the equaliser.
Amad – 6: Bright in spells, faded before being replaced.
Casemiro – 5: Booked, struggled to control midfield.
Bruno – 4: Missed penalty and poor marking for Fulham’s goal.
Dorgu – 6.5: Energetic and positive, but lacking final quality.
Mount – 7: Tireless pressing and good link play, deserved more.
Mbeumo – 6: Crowded out, less effective than against Arsenal.
Cunha – 7.5: Electric first half, unlucky not to score.
Subs:
Dalot – 5: Error in build-up to equaliser.
Sesko – 5.5: Rusty, limited impact.
Ugarte – 5.5: Offered little.
Maguire – 6.5: Nearly snatched it late on.
Heaven – 6: On too late to influence.
Looking Forward
Two games into the season and United have only a single point, yet elements of the performances have been far better than results suggest. Amorim was critical afterwards, admitting his team “forgot how to play” once they went ahead and urging them to be braver in key moments.
A midweek Carabao Cup trip to Grimsby offers the chance to rotate and rebuild momentum, but sterner tests lie ahead. With City and Chelsea on the horizon, United must quickly start taking the chances we create and get points on the board.