Manchester United's frustrating start to the 2025/26 Premier League season continued with a dispiriting 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Despite flashes of promise and a significant summer spending spree exceeding €200 million, familiar failings resurfaced, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning the team's direction under manager Ruben Amorim.
The game began with Manchester United showing attacking intent, Matheus Cunha striking the woodwork early on. However, it was Fulham who initially looked vulnerable, with United disrupting their back four through long passes. United's early pressure led to a golden opportunity in the first half when Calvin Bassey's foul on Mason Mount resulted in a penalty. But Bruno Fernandes, usually reliable from the spot, sent his effort high over the bar, a miss that seemed to deflate the team's early momentum. Fernandes even looked unsettled after accidentally bumping into the referee while backing up to take his penalty.
United eventually broke the deadlock in the second half through a Rodrigo Muniz own goal, deflecting a header from Leny Yoro into the net. However, Fulham responded swiftly. Substitute Emile Smith Rowe, injected fresh energy into Fulham's attack, found space in the box and slotted home Alex Iwobi's cross to level the score.
The draw highlighted Manchester United's ongoing struggles in front of goal, with Fernandes' penalty miss epitomizing their lack of clinical edge. Since Fernandes joined the Premier League, he has missed five penalties, a number matched only by Mohamed Salah and Aleksandar Mitrovic. United have now failed to score in the first half of 29 matches since the start of last season, a record surpassed by only one team across Europe's top five leagues.
Tactical issues continue to plague Manchester United. Despite Amorim's attempts to implement a more effective 4-4-2 out-of-possession structure, the team sometimes reverts to a 5-2-3 shape, limiting their ability to apply pressure. While new signings like Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have shown promise, integrating them fully into the team's attacking system remains a work in progress. Questions linger about team selection, such as the decision to bench Kobbie Mainoo and start without Benjamin Sesko. Some fans have also expressed concerns about goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, particularly his handling of set-pieces.
The result leaves Manchester United with just one point from their opening two games, a far cry from the aspirations of a club aiming to challenge for the top spots. While it is still early in the season, the familiar woes on display against Fulham have raised concerns about whether Amorim can turn things around and guide the team to a successful campaign. United's next game is crucial to change the narrative and get their season on track.
Fulham, meanwhile, showed resilience and tactical flexibility. Marco Silva's substitutions, particularly the introduction of Smith Rowe, proved effective. Alex Iwobi was named Player of the Match, orchestrating Fulham's attacks and providing the assist for the equalizer. The draw means Fulham have managed just one win in their last 16 Premier League encounters with Manchester United, who have dominated this fixture with 13 wins.
