Fulham earned themselves a point in the late Sunday kick off in a tense and close affair with Manchester United.
Ruben Amorim’s men hoped to bring some confidence from their meeting with Arsenal into the game and started brilliantly with Matheus Cunha the biggest threat as he struck the woodwork. They should have gone ahead in the first half but Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty and kept the match level.
In the second half, Leny Yoro leapt highest from a corner and headed the ball ontothe back of Rodrigo Muniz for a deflected own goal which sent the visitors ahead.
The Cottagers responded strongly however and Emile Smith Rowe came off the bench, found a yard of space in the box and turned home an equaliser from Alex Iwobi’s cross. Neither side could then force a winner and the points were shared at Craven Cottage.
Relive all of the action from Craven Cottage with our live blog below:
Fulham vs Manchester United live
- Fulham draw with Manchester United in the Premier League | Live on Sky Sports
- 73' GOAL! Smith Rowe pokes in equaliser after coming off bench (FUL 1-1 MUN)
- 58' GOAL! Yoro nods United into lead from a corner (FUL 0-1 MUN)
- 38' MISSED! Fernandes smashes spot kick over the crossbar (FUL 0-0 MUN)
- 35' PENALTY! Bassey pulls Mount down in the box (FUL 0-0 MUN)
- 14' SAVE! Leno denies Cunha from close range (FUL 0-0 MUN)
- 3' POST! Cunha guides a shot at goal but hits the woodwork (FUL 0-0 MUN)
Fulham FC 1 - 1 Manchester United FC
Dispiriting draw with Fulham sees familiar woes resurface for Manchester United
19:51 , Chris WilsonA new season for Manchester United, but old problems remain. In contrary to the relative optimism of last week’s defeat to Arsenal, a timid performance in a 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage leaves more questions than answers.
So much has happened since the chastening night in Bilbao, not least the arrival of three marquee signings and a spend of over £200m. And yet this was a performance that was eerily similar to those at the tail-end of last season, even if a couple of players offered some real promise in parts.
Dispiriting draw with Fulham sees familiar woes resurface for Manchester United
Marco Silva on Fulham's effort
19:39 , Mike JonesThe Fulham manager said: "The commitment with the plan, the attitude, the will and the desire as well as the players who came in, they made a difference too. In the first 15 minutes we lost almost all of the duels.
“They had very good moments with Matheus to score and we had a very good chance with Josh [King]. They created some moments from set pieces, they scored and there was a great reaction from the boys.
“There was a clear foul but great reaction from the boys. I'm proud of the fans and how they were with us. It was important to start with three points at home but we are facing a good team."
Amorim on Fernandes' penalty:
19:35 , Mike Jones“I think he is not used to missing penalties. He knows the importance that this moment can have [and make a] huge impact on the team.
“During the game he was not happy because he was not involved and he has so much responsibility and I think he thought missing the penalty was huge for us."
'We can do better' says Amorim
19:31 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim told Sky Sports: "We can do better but we are putting the effort so that is the most important to me. In some moments we did well, especially in the beginning of the game. After the goal we were just thinking about the result. We were ok until the goal and then we were not smart in that moment.
"We have to think about the performance. I know what the feeling is of a player who has to win every match. We missed a penalty, we missed some chances and then we score and we had to defend that goal. We have to focus on our movements and play until the end."
'We cannot be satisfied with a point'
19:27 , Mike JonesMore from Fernandes who said: "We cannot be satisfied with one point.
“We came here to win the game. We were defending very well, but in one of them they got their goal.
“For us, it is very disappointing to not win the game today."
Fernandes on his missed penalty
19:23 , Mike JonesBruno Fernandes spoke to Match of the Day about his penalty kick.
"As everyone has their own routine. I missed the penalty because I kicked the ball very badly,” he said.
"We are very disappointed. Obviously, we were into the game. We should have controlled it better after our goal and made them run.
"We were controlling well runs into the box from their midfielders."
How can Man Utd 'grow up?'
19:19 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim answered: "Training, in the game. You need to win to have the feeling to relax a little bit, not in the intensity and the way we play, but maintaining our mind.
“We suffer a little bit in the end because the momentum changed more with the goal of Fulham.
"In the first half we were there, we missed a penalty...Fernandes has so much responsibility with him that I felt the lack of joy [when he missed] and he was thinking in the past.
“Now we have to move forward no matter what happens."
Some Man Utd reaction now, here's Ruben Amorim:
19:15 , Mike Jones“I think we scored the goal and then we forgot about how we play.
“We want to win so badly, and that is a good feeling, that we scored a goal and everyone on the pitch was thinking, 'Let's hold onto the advantage and try to win the game'.
“For me that is the moment that we have to enjoy more and push the opponent. We tried to press the opponent super high and left a lot of space.
"We have to grow up a lot as a team. For me the most important thing is that during the week they were working really hard, today we worked really hard, and we are going to improve. The moment that changed the game was our goal."
A lot of work to do for Amorim
19:12 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim now has a Premier League win percentage of 24.1% (7 wins in 29 games), the exact same percentage as Neil Warnock (won 27 of 112 games), who was twice relegated from the Premier League.
Can Amorim turn this form around and keep himself in a job?
More from Bassey
19:07 , Mike JonesThe Fulham defender was pushed in the back by Leny Yoro in the build up to Man Utd’s goal and he believes he should have been awarded a free kick.
"It is enough for me to not be able to win the ball and it is an advantage to him. It should have been disallowed,” Bassey said.
"When the referee looks back at I think they will be disappointed. I cannot say too much, otherwise I will get a fine. It is a foul. When you go up to a jump, any little touch can put you off.
"He wasn't trying to speak to me - he was trying to speak to my captain.
"What do you want me to do? Jump on the floor. It is enough for me to not be able to win the ball."
Bassey on Fernandes' missed penalty
19:02 , Mike Jones"I say it is justice,” Bassey replied when asked what he thought of Bruno Fernandes’ attempt.
“I didn't think it was a pen, and then he missed it, so sort of a let off."
Here's some reaction from Fulham's Calvin Bassey
18:58 , Mike JonesThe defender told Sky Sports: "Especially the second half we pushed could have deserved more. We had some good moments.
"We did well to get back into the game. Of course, they have missed a penalty as well.
"I think it is harsh. I understand why it is given. Where my foot is, I am trying to stay strong. I have sort of pulled him over my foot.
"Refs have got to protect us as well. I am strong. If it is someone stronger, it doesn't look as bad. You have seen it given, and you have not seen it. Everything looks worse in slo-mo.
"Something to learn for me and all the boys - to be a bit more streetwise."
Man Utd held to draw at Fulham
18:52 , Mike Jones
Post match reaction from Alex Iwobi
18:48 , Mike JonesIwobi delivered the cross to Emile Smith Rowe for the equaliser and spoke about it.
He said: "The resilience to come back. We knew that the difference could be made off the bench. It is better to not lose, and we are able to get a good point against a good team.
"I was aiming for Raul [Jiminez], but he [Emile Smith-Rowe] made the run in-behind, and I trusted him to get on to the end of the ball.
"We knew that we would be able to get behind their two midfielders and that their centre-backs would want to jump - we exploited that today."
What are Smith Rowe's expectations for the season?
18:44 , Mike JonesFulham’s goalscorer added: "Just to stay fit, get consistent minutes on the pitch, give my all for the team and hopefully we can start winning games."
Smith Rowe reacts to Fulham draw
18:40 , Mike JonesFulham forward Emile Smith Rowe, spoke to Sky Sports after the match.
He said: "It was really quick, I know when Alex [Iwobi] gets the ball, I know his trademark cross and I have to be there to finish.
"We are very competitive in training, we all want to score goals and contribute to the team.
“We know when we come off the bench we have to work hard and try and score."
Morrison reacts to Fulham draw
18:36 , Mike JonesHere are the thoughts of Clinton Morrison on BBC Radio 5 Live:
“Fulham need to back the manager. The players that Silva has got to come off the bench are talented individuals who think they should be starting, the likes of Robinson, Smith Rowe and Wilson.
“They probably need a few bodies to go out and then they can strengthen. They have a good manager in Silva and they don't want to lose him. They need to bring players in and make him happy.”
FT Fulham 1-1 Man Utd
18:32 , Mike JonesIt’s still early days but Manchester United are still looking for their first win.
They’re now 16th in the table and are one of eight teams yet to win one of their opening two games.
The promise is their for Ruben Amorim’s men but they need confidence and consistency.
Full-time! Fulham 1-1 Man Utd
18:24 , Mike Jones90+5 mins: There goes the final whistle. The points are shared.
A fair result in a match that swung both ways. Both teams still look to be finding themselves this season.
Fulham 1-1 Man Utd
18:21 , Mike Jones90+3 mins: Now the momentum swings back to Fulham.
Smith Rowe wins a corner that Lukic whips into the penalty area.
Andersen is the closest head to the ball but no-one gets to it and the ball bounces out for a goal kick.
Fulham 1-1 Man Utd
18:19 , Mike Jones90 mins: Five minutes of added time to play. Will there be a winner?
Fulham 1-1 Man Utd
18:16 , Mike Jones88 mins: Fulham clear the corner kick but United recycle the ball quickly and Cunha’s cross is turned behind by Bassey.
Mbeumo takes the second corner and lofts it over to Maguire who heads it inches wide!
Fulham 1-1 Man Utd
18:15 , Mike Jones86 mins: Lukic is booked for pulling Fernandes back when the Man Utd captain looks to be bursting clear.
Instead the visitors win a free kick and play it down the left to Dorgu.
He wins a corner. Can United score from a set piece again?
Yoro and Shaw are taken off for Ayden Heaven and Harry Maguire.
Fulham 1-1 Man Utd
18:13 , Mike Jones83 mins: United have been pegged deeper and deeper inside their own way.
There’s very little coming at the other end of the pitch. They need some inspiration from somewhere or else Fulham could take this game.
Fulham 1-1 Man Utd
18:09 , Mike Jones80 mins: into the last 10 minutes. This has been a fixture for late drama in the past. Will it prove to be so again?
Fulham are well in the asendancy here.
Cries of ‘come on Fulham!’ come from the crowd to ramp up the tension and atmosphere too.
Fulham 1-1 Man Utd
18:06 , Mike Jones77 mins: Raul Jimenez almost gets in on the act after Iwobi feeds the ball into the box.
Jimenez collects it and then whips a shot wide of the far post.
It looks as though he was offside though but it was a close one.
'It felt like it had been coming'
18:02 , Chris Wilson at Craven CottageMore from Chris Wilson at Craven Cottage:
It felt like it had been coming in away. Fulham had been the better side since the goal and though there wasn’t constant pressure, United have invited the hosts to attack and they now find themselves level with around 20 minutes to go.
That goal has given the home fans plenty of belief too.
GOAL! Fulham 1-1 Man Utd (Emile Smith Rowe, 73)
18:02 , Mike JonesThere’s the equaliser!
Fulham had been pressing and it’s the man off the bench.
Iwobi dinks a cross into the penalty area where De Ligt lets the ball run through.
He thinks the goalkeeper has it covered but Emile Smith Rowe nips in behind the defender and toes the ball into the back of the net.
He’s been on the pitch less than two minutes.
Fulham 0-1 Man Utd
17:58 , Mike Jones70 mins: Amorim still wants more control in the middle of midfield and as such has brought on Manuel Ugarte.
Mason Mount is the man to depart.
20 minutes to play at Craven Cottage. Will there be more goals?
Fulham 0-1 Man Utd
17:56 , Mike Jones68 mins: The next goal could be important. Fulham haven’t shied away from attacking since going behind and, if anything, they’ve stepped up their desire to go forward.
If United get a second they’ll grow in confidence again and that could open some floodgates as Fulham chase the game.
Fulham 0-1 Man Utd
17:52 , Mike Jones65 mins: Yoro’s goal looks like it’ll go down as a Rodrigo Muniz own goal.
A different angle clearly shows his header was going wide before it struck the Fulham striker.
Not that Yoro will be that bothered. Man Utd are ahead and that’s what they wanted.
Fulham 0-1 Man Utd
17:51 , Mike Jones62 mins: Marco Silva has responded to that goal by making a couple of changes.
Harry Wilson and Antonee Robinson are on to replace Ryan Sessegnon and Timothy Castagne.
Can they inspire a comeback for Fulham?
'A surprise goal for the visitors'
17:49 , by Chris Wilson at Craven CottageMore from Chris Wilson at Craven Cottage:
Somewhat surprisingly, it’s a goal from a set-piece for United, who have been equally as dismal at scoring them as they have defending them in recent months.
It’s an extreme slice of luck too – the ball deflecting off Muniz after a goalward header from Yoro – and it’s a stranger first goal of the season for Ruben Amorim’s side.
GOAL! Fulham 0-1 Man Utd (Leny Yoro, 58')
17:47 , Mike JonesThe whole shebang!
Bryan Mbeumo whips the ball into the box and finds Leny Yoro.
He powers a header at goal and the ball hits Rodrigo Muniz on the back which wrongfoots Bernd Leno and sends United into the lead.
Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
17:46 , Mike Jones57 mins: Diogo Dalot’s first foray up the pitch wins United a corner.
What can they muster from this?
'An interesting substitution'
17:42 , by Chris Wilson at Craven CottageHere’s Chris Wilson at Craven Cottage:
An interesting sub from Amorim, with Mount taking Casemiro’s place in midfield. Amorim obviously had his heart in his mouth when he saw the Brazilian sliding in late there.
Mount will now partner Fernandes in central midfield, in a dynamic that we haven’t seen too many times (if at all) since the Portuguese took over.
Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
17:41 , Mike Jones54 mins: Ruben Amorim doesn’t wait long before making some changes.
Off go Casemiro and Amad Diallo with Diogo Dalot and Benjamin Sesko brought on.
Mason Mount has dropped back to play alongside Bruno Fernandes in midfield.
Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
17:39 , Mike Jones51 mins: Sessegnon hangs a cross into the box and gets the Fulham fans interested but De Ligt reaches the ball first.
He heads to Fernandes who manages to hook the ball clear.
Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
17:36 , Mike Jones48 mins: Fernandes works a corner into the Fulham box which gets cleared to Amad.
He dances into the box and shoots but Leno has the near post covered and makes the save.
The Fulham goalkeeper is having a good outing.
Second half! Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
17:34 , Mike JonesManchester United get the match back underway.
Nothing to separate the teams so far. Will we see a winner in this 45 minutes?
'All to play for at half-time'
17:28 , by Chris Wilson at Craven CottageHere’s Chris Wilson at Craven Cottage:
A decent first half at Craven Cottage for the neutral, and both sides will be happy with aspects of their performance.
United probably had the best chances of the half, with Cunha twice going close, and he’ll be walking into the dressing room feeling he should have had a brace.
As for the hosts, they’ve looked promising going forward and haver troubled United, especially on the counter, while their defending has improved since giving away this early chances.
All to play for at the break then!
Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
17:24 , Mike Jones
HT Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
17:19 , Mike JonesManchester United had 52% possession in that first half and created six chances, five of which came inside the first 10 minutes.
Fulham meanwhile had eight opportunities to score with only two of them on target.
They’ve been strong at unsettling Bayindir from corners.
Half-time! Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
17:17 , Mike Jones45+2 mins: Oh! Lukic sends the ball into the area and Rodrigo Muniz attempts the bicycle kick but misses the ball completely.
It’s disppointing that there hasn’t been any goals yet but it’s a fair scoreline from a pretty even 45 minutes.
All to play for in the second half.
Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
17:13 , Mike Jones42 mins: Almost to half-time and the big talking point is the penalty miss.
VAR took it’s time with the decision but Bassey did throw Mount down so that was probably correct.
Fernandes’ missed effort means United still haven’t scored this season.
Fulham have a free kick in the final third. Can they make something happen before the break?
'Redemption for Fulham'
17:11 , Chris WilsonHere’s Chris Wilson at Craven Cottage:
“Some redemption for Fulham.
“Slightly farcical both in terms of the time it took to make a decision on the penalty and the faff around delivering it.
“Referees have been instructed to look closer at holding in the box this season but even then that looks soft, almost as if Mount was holding Bassey just as much as the other way around.
“Some noise around Craven Cottage as that effort flew over the bar!”
MISSED! Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
17:08 , Mike Jones38 mins: Bruno Fernandes places the ball on the spot and takes a breath.
He stutters up to the ball and targets the top left corner but gets it all wrong.
He smashes the ball high and wide!
Penalty to Man Utd!
17:06 , Mike JonesFulham 0-0 Man Utd
35 mins: Oh my. This is a VAR incident that came from the corner a minute or so ago.
Calvin Bassey grabbed hold of Mason Mount and threw him to the floor off the ball as it came in.
VAR have called the referee over to the monitor. He watches the incident then announces the decision to the stadium.
The Fulham fans aren’t happy, the Man Utd ones are delighted.
Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
17:03 , Mike Jones34 mins: The corner ball finds Casemiro over by the far post and he nods it back into the middle.
There’s a bit of pinball as a couple more crosses come in and Fulham manage to defend.
They eventually clear the danger but nothing comes from their attempted counter attack.
Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
17:02 , Mike Jones31 mins: Fulham are packing the middle of the pitch and making things tricky for Manchester United when they try to work through the middle.
Bassey defends strongly to get ahead of Cunha and block Fernandes’ cross.
United have a corner though.
Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
16:57 , Mike Jones28 mins: The stats reflect the game well.
Man Utd dominating possession but Fulham are more threatening and direct.
United haven’t done much since Cunha’s early opportunities.
Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
16:54 , Mike Jones25 mins: Man Utd’s build up play is a little lacklustre.
Slow passing around the defence then long balls over the top to try and get runners in behind.
No success from that methodology just yet.
Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
16:52 , Mike Jones22 mins: Cunha and Andersen are developing a nice battle.
The Man Utd man wins a free kick which is taken quickly and sent over to the right side of the pitch.
Mbeumo collects the ball but he runs into trouble and the ball rolls out for a Fulham throw in.
Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
16:50 , Mike Jones19 mins: Another corner for Fulham is whipped in by Lukic and finds Cunha at the near post.
The ball comes back to Lukic who sends in a second cross which United clear withouth too much trouble.
Fulham have done well to stall United’s momentum and are seeing a bit of joy for themselves too.
Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
16:47 , Mike Jones16 mins: Close!
A Fulham corner is floated into the box where it’s deflected into the path of Alex Iwobi.
Iwobi shoots and drills the ball through a cluster of bodies forcing Bayindir to drop low and palm the ball wide of the left-hand post.
Chances at either end
16:45 , by Chris Wilson at Craven CottageAlmost a goal at either end!
Fulham’s first chance of the game and it almost ends up in the net, with King beating the offside trap before forcing a save from Bayindir!
Moments later, the Turkey international plays a simple long ball that Cunha controls brilliantly, before forcing an even better save from Leno.
He probably should’ve scored in truth, but those chances have got the crown going either way.
Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
16:45 , Mike Jones14 mins: Save!
Altay Bayindir pings the ball long and it drops perfectly for Cunha who shrugs Joachim Andersen away from the ball then pokes it at goal.
Bernd Leno closes Cunha down and sticks out a left hand which deflects the ball wide of the post!
Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
16:40 , Mike Jones11 mins: Amad Diallo receives the ball and looks to drive forward.
He plays a one-two with Mbeumo and gets into the box only for Ryan Sessegnon to lunge in and win his team a goal kick.
Great defending.
Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
16:39 , Mike Jones8 mins: Bassey takes a hand to the face from a stray Bryan Mbeumo arm which looks to have caught him in the eye.
He’s okay and plays on after a 30 second pause off the pitch.
Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
16:34 , Mike Jones5 mins: Post!
Patrick Dorgu brings the ball down the left wing and knocks it inside to Mason Mount.
Mount controls then offloads to Cunha who guides a shot threw the legs of Calvin Bassey and hits the far post!
'Cunha is looking lively'
16:34 , by Chris Wilson at Craven CottageHere’s Chris Wilson at Craven Cottage :
Cunha is already looking lively and he has two shots in as many minutes, the second one ricocheting back off the post.
He looked sharp in the warm-up and seems to be keen to lead united’s attacking efforts, and it’s been a solid start from the visitors.
Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
16:32 , Mike Jones2 mins: Wow! Bruno Fernandes intercepts the ball and rolls it quickly to Matheus Cunha playing through the middle.
He spins and lets fly with a fine effort which just flies over the crossbar!
Kick off! Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
16:31 , Mike JonesFulham get the ball rolling at Craven Cottage and work it over to the left side of the pitch.
It comes to Alex Iwobi who whips a quick cross towards the area but sends the ball out of play.
Fulham vs Man Utd
16:26 , Mike JonesHere come the teams.
There are question marks over how this game will go. Can Ruben Amorim bring out the best in Manchester United or will Fulham get a rare win at home?
Kick off is up next...
Man Utd's playmaker
16:20 , Mike JonesBruno Fernandes created five chances for Man Utd in their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, the 33rd time he’s done so in a Premier League match – the most of any player since his debut in February 2020.
It’s also the second most by a Man Utd player on record (2003-04 onwards), with Ryan Giggs doing so 34 times in that time.
Fulham's super sub?
16:15 , Mike JonesNone of Rodrigo Muniz’s first nine Premier League goals for Fulham were as a sub but seven of his last nine have come from the bench.
It is the most of any player since the start of last season. He equalised in the 97th minute of their 1-1 draw with Brighton last week.
United drills in position
16:13 , by Chris Wilson at Craven CottageUnited started with a defensive drill before both sides moved to shooting practice.
Interestingly for United, plenty of the warm-up has been focused on spreading it wide to Amad and Dorgu, who lay it off to Mbeumo or Mount – a ploy that wasn’t used too often in the defeat to Arsenal.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Matheus Cunha is looking sharpest in the shooting drills.
Man United’s exiled ‘bomb squad’ are giving Ruben Amorim a big problem
16:10 , Richard JollyIt is seven weeks since Ruben Amorim established the Manchester United bomb squad.
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia and Antony were exiled from the first team, training separately, arriving at 5pm after their teammates had gone home and denied places on the pre-season tour to the United States.
Each, United said, had expressed a wish to leave. But in the subsequent seven weeks, only Rashford has, getting the move to Barcelona he wanted.
Man United’s exiled ‘bomb squad’ are giving Ruben Amorim a big problem
Good omens in disguise?
16:05 , Mike JonesManchester United lost their opening Premier League game of the season against Arsenal.
The only seasons where they’ve lost their first two games are 1992-93 (eventually finished 1st) and 2022-23 (came 3rd).
Bad memories against United
16:00 , Mike JonesFulham manager Marco Silva has lost seven of his 10 Premier League matches against Manchester United, only losing more against Manchester City (12).
On home soil he’s lost four out of five against the Red Devils, with the other a 4-0 win as Everton boss in April 2019.
Amorim's poor start
15:55 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim has suffered 15 Premier League defeats in just 28 games as Man Utd manager (won seven, drawn six), with Spurs the only current side who’ve lost more games than the Red Devils since Amorim’s first game in charge (17).
It also means that Amorim has already lost more games in the Premier League than he did in 167 matches in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
Ruben Amorim reflects on the main issue still looming over Manchester United
15:50 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim has revealed his feelings on the current situation at Manchester United, where four players are keen to leave.
The Portuguese admitted it is not a good situation but said “anything can happen” if they do not find a suitable solution by the end of the transfer window.
The so-called ‘bomb squad’ at United began with five players this summer, with only Marcus Rashford leaving the club so far to join Barcelona on loan.
Ruben Amorim reflects on the main issue still looming over Manchester United
Four in a row for Marco?
15:45 , Mike JonesFulham ended 2024-25 on a run of three consecutive home Premier League defeats, last losing more in a row when they lost their final six home games in 2020-21.
Manager Marco Silva has never previously lost four consecutive league games in his entire managerial career.
Andre Onana left on the bench again as Manchester United prepare to face Fulham
15:44 , Chris WilsonManchester United manager Ruben Amorim decided to leave goalkeeper Andre Onana on the bench for their Premier League clash against Fulham in favour of starting Altay Bayindir, despite the latter’s costly error in last week’s loss to Arsenal.
Bayindir’s failure to deal with a corner led to Riccardo Calafiori scoring the only goal of the game at Old Trafford as United fell to an opening day loss, and the build-up to the Fulham match has seen plenty of fans and pundits question whether Onana would be given a starting berth.
Andre Onana left on the bench again as Manchester United prepare to face Fulham
Leaving it late
15:40 , Mike JonesThe last four Premier League meetings between Fulham and Man Utd have seen a winning goal scored in the 78th minute or later, with all six goals in games between the teams in the last two seasons coming in the second half.
It was one of only two fixtures played four times across 2023-24 and 2024-25 without a first half goal, along with Everton vs West Ham.
Fulham vs Manchester United
15:35 , Mike JonesManchester United have won just three of their last 23 Premier League away games against London sides (with five draws and 15 defeats.)
However, all three of these victories have come against Fulham.
A great away record
15:30 , Mike JonesManchester United have won each of their last eight Premier League away games against Fulham.
They’ve never won nine in a row against an opponent in their league history.
Manchester United team to face Fulham
15:18 , Mike JonesManchester United XI: Bayindir; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Diallo, Fernandes, Casemiro, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Mount, Cunha
Ruben makes one change to face the Cottagers 💪
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 24, 2025
⬅️ @DalotDiogo
➡️ @AmadDiallo_19
🤝 @Snapdragon
Fulham team to face Manchester United
15:17 , Mike JonesFulham XI: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Bassey; Castagne, Berge, Lukic, Sessegnon; King, Muniz, Iwobi
Marco Silva's Fulham. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/utKj9lFkYA
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 24, 2025
Amorim on Man Utd's injury list
15:12 , Mike JonesThings are looking positive for Manchester United as they have an almost full selection of players to choose from today.
"Onana is ready to play like last week, so we will see in the game who is going to be keeper," Ruben Amorim said when asked which players are absent.
"Licha [Lisandro Martinez] is out, Nous [Noussair Mazraoui] is out. The rest of the guys are fit and ready to play."
Will Robinson or Sessegnon play?
15:06 , Mike JonesThe doubts about Antonee Robinson and Ryan Sessegnon’s fitness remains though Marco Silva did give some insights into his players.
“We have to wait and see,” Silva said when asked if either could play today. “We just finished one session now, we are going to have another one.
“Different situations – Robinson is coming back from a surgery, he's training with the team but you have to take a decision.
“And Sessegnon, he felt something the last friendly game against Eintracht. We didn't want to take a risk last week, let's see how he is going to be in the last session before the game, and then we are going to decide.
“Of course, they are both different, if you have Robinson or Sessegnon, then you have a more offensive dynamic and mobility on the left-hand side.”
Fulham's record against Man Utd
15:00 , Mike JonesFulham have won just one of their last 19 Premier League games against Manchester United (with three draws and 15 defeats in that run.
That victory was a 2-1 win at Old Trafford in February 2024, can they add to it this afternoon?
Harry Maguire reveals why he has always remained devoted to Man United
14:54 , Richard JollyThere was a certain simplicity to Manchester United’s first bit of business in 2025. They have spent more than £200m in the summer. They are still trying to offload players who want to leave Old Trafford.
But there was one who was keen to stay, but given no say in the matter. On 3 January, United triggered the clause to keep Harry Maguire for a further season.
It was a symbolic decision and proof of a personal renaissance. Maguire could have joined West Ham in 2023, but showed his stubbornness by fighting for his place.
Harry Maguire reveals why he has remained devoted during Man United rollercoaster
Marco Silva ready for the 'big one'
14:48 , Mike JonesFulham boss Marco Silva says today’s match against Manchester United is a ‘big one’ and explained what he is expecting from Ruben Amorim’s side.
“Big one,” Silva said of Sunday’s meeting at the Cottage. “We are playing against a great side. I know that last season was not what they wanted. Definitely, was below their standards, below the size of the club and all that stuff, [but] they are the first ones to recognise that.
“Last season, they had a lot of great players. This season, they kept almost all of them. And until now, they have been able to spend heavily in the market on some players.
“The club is Man United, a club that already spent more than £200m, and probably are going to spend more. It's going to be a big clash, in my opinion, great game for us.
“Very important for us, like it's very important for Man United, and it's going to be another very demanding Premier League game, like normal.”
Neville urges Manchester United to address ‘glaring issue’
14:42 , Mike JonesGary Neville has urged Manchester United to invest in a new goalkeeper to address a “glaring issue” with their squad after Altay Bayindir’s error in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.
“There's a glaring issue that Man United cannot ignore and it is the fact they need to find a goalkeeper,” Neville said on Sky Sports. “They have to.
“I'm unequivocal on that because I had an experience with Man Utd for 20 years where there were two big periods of seven or eight years with Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar.
“In between, we had seven or eight goalkeepers in a six, seven, eight-year period and it is really unsettling when you haven't got a dominant No 1, who is dominant in the air, who owns his six-yard box, comes and punches everything and makes a lot of saves to win you points when your defenders make mistakes.”
Amorim refuses to commit to Onana
14:36 , Mike JonesIn the build-up to today’s match Ruben Amorim was asked whether Andre Onana would start in goal having bee left out of the squad for the Arsenal game.
Amorim replied: “Onana is ready to play like last week so we will see in the game who is going to be the goalkeeper.”
The answer was a bit non-committal by the United boss so we’ll see who he selects when team news drops in around 45 minutes time.
Man United in talks over highly-rated goalkeeper as Andre Onana decision made
14:30 , Richard JollyManchester United are in talks with Antwerp about a £17.3m move for the Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Andre Onana is expected to remain at Old Trafford but Ruben Amorim is advancing in his attempts to add more competition for places.
And Lammens, a Belgium Under-21 international, could become United’s fifth summer signing after forwards Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko and wing-back Diego Leon.
Man United in talks over highly-rated goalkeeper as Andre Onana decision made
Man Utd early team news
14:18 , Mike JonesThe big decision for Ruben Amorim is whether he decides to restore Andre Onana to goal or maintains faith in Altay Bayindir.
Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui are both absent but otherwise Amorim has a full contingent to select from.
Will Benjamin Sesko start up top? Mason Mount took that role to begin with against Arsenal and could be set for a similar role today.
Predicted Man Utd XI: Bayindir; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Diallo, Fernandes, Casemiro, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Sesko
Fulham early team news
14:12 , Mike JonesFulham only have a couple of injury concerns as Ryan Sessegnon and Antonee Robinson were both missing from last weekend’s draw with Brighton.
Neither has been ruled out for this match, according to manager Marco Silva, but it seems unlikely either player will start.
Raul Jimenez and Rodrigo Muniz will compete for the starting striker role with the other likely to start on the bench.
Predicted Fulham XI: Leno: Tete, Andersen, Cunesca, Bassey; Berge, Lukic, Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Muniz
How can I watch the match?
14:06 , Mike JonesThe match is the late kick off on Super Sunday.
That means it will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League with coverage starting at 4pm.
When is Fulham vs Manchester United?
14:00 , Mike JonesFulham host Manchester United at Craven Cottage in the second weekend of Premier League kick offs with the game commencing at 4.30pm
Fulham vs Manchester United live
Saturday 23 August 2025 15:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleFulham and Manchester United collide with both sides seeking a first win of the Premier League season at Craven Cottage. An improved showing from Ruben Amorim’s side against Arsenal has given hope of a better second season under the Portuguese - though a tricky goalkeeping situation is still to be solved and looms as a big decision again.
The hosts were solid enough down at Brighton but Marco Silva has expressed public frustration at the lack of investment in the transfer market. Can his side kick off their home campaign with a success? Kick off is at 4.30pm BST.
