Two games into the Premier League season, Manchester United finds itself without a victory, despite showing glimpses of promise on the pitch. Their latest match at Craven Cottage ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Fulham, where substitute Emile Smith Rowe netted a late equaliser, denying Ruben Amorim’s squad three crucial points. The game saw a mix of unfortunate events and missed opportunities, highlighting areas for improvement as the season progresses.
Manchester United took the lead in the 58th minute thanks to an own goal from Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz, who inadvertently redirected a header from Leny Yoro off a Bryan Mbeumo corner. This goal spared United captain Bruno Fernandes from further embarrassment after he missed a first-half penalty kick. However, Fulham's resilience shone through when Smith Rowe, with his very first touch after coming off the bench, skillfully guided a cross from Alex Iwobi into the back of the net, securing a well-deserved draw for the home side.
Fernandes' penalty miss has become a talking point among fans and analysts alike. United had moved the ball with urgency, creating several chances, and the awarded penalty seemed to be a pivotal moment. Referee Chris Kavanagh reviewed a foul during a corner kick that saw Calvin Bassey bring down Mason Mount, leading to the penalty decision. However, Fernandes’ approach was disrupted by the referee's positioning, causing him to lean back and miss the target completely.
In a post-match interview with NBC, Fernandes addressed his miss: “Like everyone, you have your own routine. I was preparing myself to get the penalty and that got a little bit on my nerves. But it is not because of that that I missed the penalty. I missed the penalty because I kicked very badly the ball.” His candid remarks highlight the pressure that players face during crucial moments.
Mason Mount has quickly established himself as a key player for Manchester United. His ability to balance defensive responsibilities while contributing to the attack poses a significant question for manager Ruben Amorim: which of United's new attacking signings will need to step back to accommodate Mount? Currently, Benjamin Sesko is still adjusting to his new team, but calls for a front line featuring Sesko, Mbeumo, and Cunha are likely to grow as fans look for more attacking flair.
Mount’s presence in the midfield provides stability, particularly in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation, allowing the team to plug gaps defensively while also pushing forward effectively. However, with no European football this season, keeping all stars satisfied may present a challenge for Amorim.
On the other side, Fulham manager Marco Silva expressed his desire for additional signings after witnessing a lack of attacking potency late in the game. Silva's substitutions, including the introduction of Harry Wilson and Antonee Robinson, revitalized the team, culminating in Smith Rowe's equaliser. Fulham's tendency to deliver crosses—averaging 17.6 open-play crosses per 90 last season—was evident, and the manager is keen to bolster the squad for greater competition.
Silva commented on the team's need for reinforcements, stating, “This season, we had a plan; the plan has fallen through. It’s our fault, not active at all. We cannot be pleased.” His balanced approach to managing the squad while also acknowledging the need for fresh talent could be crucial as the season unfolds.
In the match, Sesko was substituted in but struggled to make an impact, finishing with only 15 touches and no shots on goal. The tactical setup employed by Silva limited his opportunities to exploit spaces, which have been fundamental to his game previously. As the team continues to gel, it is important for Sesko to find his rhythm within the squad’s dynamics.
After the match, Amorim reflected on the team's performance, stating, “We want to win so bad we forget about maintaining possession... We can do better. After the goal, I think we were just thinking about maintaining the advantage.” His insights indicate a need for focus and composure moving forward.
Silva praised his substitutes, highlighting their impact on the game: “The players that came on were brilliant... We finished the game stronger, in and around their box with some good moments.” His comments showcase the importance of squad depth and the role of substitutes in maintaining competitiveness throughout the match.
Looking ahead, Manchester United is set to face Grimsby in the Carabao Cup second round on Wednesday, August 27, while Fulham will take on Bristol City in their own Carabao Cup match the same day. Both teams will be eager to secure victories to boost morale and confidence as the season progresses.
