Cunha's late deflected equaliser grabs Manchester United a 1-1 draw at Fulham
Matheus Cunha's deflected 89th-minute strike rescued a 1-1 draw for Manchester United at Fulham on Saturday, cancelling out Lisandro Martinez's horror-show own goal. The result leaves Michael Carrick's side in the bottom half of the Premier League after five games, 10 points adrift of leaders Manchester City.
- Competition: Premier League
- Venue: Craven Cottage
- Result: Fulham 1-1 Manchester United
- Goals: Lisandro Martinez own goal 63', Matheus Cunha 89'
- League position: Manchester United bottom half, 10 points behind Manchester City; Fulham off bottom spot by goal difference
The numbers
- Manchester United league position: bottom half after five games
- Points behind table-topping Manchester City: 10
- Own goal: Lisandro Martinez, 63rd minute
- Equaliser: Matheus Cunha, 89th minute
- Fulham league position: off bottom spot by goal difference
What was said
"A real mess"
"the worst 15 minutes I have ever see Manchester United play"
Gary Neville's blunt assessment of Manchester United's passive possession before Fulham's opener underlined the wider concerns. The own goal itself — a "real mess" — was a symptom of chaotic defending, but Neville's criticism of the build-up play pointed to a deeper structural issue. United's inability to control the ball invited pressure, and Fulham's goal came from exactly that kind of sloppy phase.
Neville's comments will resonate with supporters who have watched United struggle to impose themselves this season. The midweek Carabao Cup collapse at home to Brighton and the Manchester derby defeat last weekend had already heightened scrutiny. Even a point at Craven Cottage does little to ease the sense that Carrick's side are miles off the level required to challenge the country's best sides.
Cunha's late strike rescues a point but United's problems persist
Matheus Cunha was the unlikely hero, his deflected 89th-minute shot beating Bernd Leno after the Fulham goalkeeper had produced a series of full-stretch saves. Cunha had earlier been levered off the ball by Calvin Bassey in the build-up to Fulham's goal, but he redeemed himself with the late equaliser. The deflection off David Affengruber left Leno with no chance.
United's midfield struggled to assert control, with Bruno Fernandes hitting the post from Cunha's inviting cutback in the first half. Fernandes' miss proved costly as United laboured. Senne Lammens, in the United goal, was forced into several saves, including a smart stop from Josh King's volley and another from the same player shortly after. But Lammens' clumsy attempt to cut out Bassey's shot led to Martinez's own goal, summing up United's chaotic defending.
Fulham, under new boss Alvaro Arbeloa, will take encouragement from the performance after their draw at Anfield. They move off the bottom spot by goal difference, though Arbeloa is still searching for his first Premier League win. The hosts had chances through Gonzalo Garcia, Sander Berge and Oscar Bobb, but could not find a second goal.
Analysis: Why Manchester United's passive possession is the real concern
Gary Neville's description of United's pre-goal play as "the worst 15 minutes I have ever see Manchester United play" is the most damning indictment of Michael Carrick's tenure so far. The own goal from Lisandro Martinez was chaotic, but the root cause was United's inability to keep the ball. Calvin Bassey was allowed to overpower Matheus Cunha and drive forward, and Senne Lammens' parry fell kindly for Martinez to deflect past him. It was a defensive breakdown born of passive, indecisive play higher up the pitch.
Carrick's midfield pairing struggled to impose themselves against Fulham's energetic press. Bruno Fernandes hit the post, but too often United's attacking moves broke down. Cunha's late equaliser, deflected off David Affengruber, masked the underlying issues. The international break now gives Carrick a three-week window to make a "major gear change", as the source notes. Without it, United's ambitions of kicking on this season look increasingly remote.
Fulham's new boss Alvaro Arbeloa will be encouraged by his side's performance, particularly after their draw at Anfield. They pressed United effectively and created chances through Josh King, Gonzalo Garcia, Sander Berge and Oscar Bobb. Bernd Leno was outstanding, making saves from Martinez, Bryan Mbeumo and Cunha. The Cottagers move off the bottom by goal difference, but Arbeloa still awaits his first Premier League win.
Talking points
- Is Michael Carrick's passive possession style the root cause of United's defensive chaos, or is it individual errors like Martinez's own goal that are to blame?
- Should Senne Lammens have done better for the own goal, or was he let down by his defenders?
- Can Fulham's performance under Alvaro Arbeloa be a turning point, or will they slide back to the bottom?
- Are United's top-four ambitions already over after just five games, 10 points behind Manchester City?
What happens next
Manchester United head into the international break with Michael Carrick under pressure to make significant tactical changes. They return to Premier League action in three weeks, needing a major gear change to get back on track. Fulham, meanwhile, will look to build on this performance and secure Alvaro Arbeloa's first Premier League win. The next round of fixtures will be crucial for both sides' seasons.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score between Fulham and Manchester United?
The match ended 1-1, with Matheus Cunha equalising for Manchester United in the 89th minute after Lisandro Martinez's own goal.
Who scored Fulham's goal against Manchester United?
Fulham's goal was an own goal by Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez in the 63rd minute.
Where are Manchester United in the Premier League table after the draw?
Manchester United are in the bottom half of the Premier League after five games, 10 points adrift of table-topping Manchester City.
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