Manchester United secured a 1-0 win over Fulham in Craven Cottage.
Lisandro Martinez ‘distracted strike turned out to be decisive in a game in which the chances of premium were.
The first half was far from an attacking spectacle, whereby no side was able to stamp their authority for the game.
Fulham started brightly, and Alex Iwobi caused problems in the left flank. The Nigerian winger tested Andre Onana twice, but did not really worry the United goalkeeper.
Fulham’s best chance of half fell Emile Smith Rowe, who was one -to -one with Onana, but did not achieve the goal and raised his efforts harmlessly.
United now had trouble coming into play. Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes showed an insight into creativity, but the visitors only made one shot-like tally in the first half in a Premier League match since April 2024.
There are three points on the street for the red 🔴👊#Murnc || #Fuldu
– Manchester United (@Manutd) January 26, 2025
The second half started in the same way, and both teams fought to generate meaningful opportunities.
Fulham introduced Rodrigo Muniz and Adama Traore to put energy into their attack, while United made several changes, including the introduction of Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee. However, the clear possibilities remained difficult to grasp, and the game seemed to be intended for a patient situation.
The breakthrough finally came in the 78th minute and it was a moment of happiness for the visitors. Garnacho’s withdrawal from the left found Toby Collyer, who did not get a shot away.
The ball marked Martinez, which hit outside the box. His ambitious effort took a severe distraction from Sasa Lukic and loosened into the back corner via Bernd Leno. Craven Cottage was stunned and United had the lead.
Fulham threw everything at United in the last moments. Timothy Castagne and Muniz both came near, with Muniz skipping a golden opportunity up close to the added time
A chaotic sequence saw, as Andreas Pereia’s corner from Joachim Andersen continued, only so that colly is eliminating the line. Fulham appealed for a goal, but replays confirmed that the ball was not crossed.
United thought that they had added a second in the dying moments when Mainoo and Amad Diallo combined beautifully, the latter shot home. However, Var intervened and closed the goal for offside and left Fulham with weak hope.
Despite Fulham’s late pressure, United held out to claim important three points.
