In the second round of the 2025-26 Premier League season, Manchester United played Fulham away, and the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw. The Red Devils have not won in the first two rounds of the competition.
In the 14th minute, Manchester United goalkeeper Bayindir launched a long pass in the backcourt, and Cunha’s forward insertion formed a good one-on-one opportunity. He stopped the ball and then shot, but was successfully saved by Fulham goalkeeper Leno.
Penalty Drama: Fernandes Misses from the Spot
A controversial incident occurred in the 35th minute of the match. Fulham player Bassey brought down Mount in the penalty area, and after a VAR check, the referee awarded Manchester United a penalty.
Bruno Fernandes placed the ball on the penalty spot and was accidentally bumped by the referee as he prepared to take the kick. The Manchester United captain was unhappy with the situation and questioned the referee on the spot, before readjusting the position of the ball.
Fernandes looked nervous as he stepped up to take the penalty, and he blasted the ball high over the bar, missing a golden opportunity for United. Neither side was able to find the net in the first half of the match.
Yoro’s Header Breaks the Deadlock
In the 57th minute of the second half, Mbeumo took a corner kick from the left, and Yoro took advantage of his advantage to head the ball into the goal. The ball was successfully netted after being deflected by Muniz’s back.
The Premier League’s official website has ruled the goal as Yoro’s, and Manchester United have finally broken the deadlock.
The goal was United’s eighth shot of the game and their first goal from their 30th shot of the season. Fulham manager Marco Silva protested strongly after the goal, claiming there was a foul in the build-up, but the referee took no action.
Smith Rowe’s Instant Equalizer
The game changed again in the 71st minute. Silva replaced Joshua King with Smith Rowe. Unexpectedly, Smith Rowe changed the score in just 93 seconds after coming on as a substitute.
In the 72nd minute, Alex Iwobi sent an accurate cross from the left, and Smith Rowe cleverly completed a lob shot in front of the goal, successfully tying the score at 1-1.
Man United Drop Points Again Away from Home
Fulham were in good form and attacked positively in the subsequent game, but they failed to score again. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
The 1-1 draw was undoubtedly a disappointing result for Manchester United. The failure to win the first two rounds not only hit the team’s morale but also raised more questions about Ten Hag’s tactics and lineup adjustments.
In contrast, Fulham showed a tenacious fighting spirit, especially when Smith Rowe came on as a substitute and quickly scored a goal, showing the team’s ability to execute tactics.
As the season progresses, if Manchester United wants to get out of the predicament as soon as possible, it needs to improve its ability to seize opportunities in attack and the stability of the game as quickly as possible.
