Lisandro Martínez’s dramatic late goal secured a 1-0 victory for Manchester United at Craven Cottage, offering a rare moment of joy in an otherwise dull match. Martínez’s strike came in the 89th minute, when he latched onto a loose ball and, with a bit of luck, saw his shot deflect off Fulham midfielder Sasa Lukic and loop into the far top corner. It was United’s only shot on target in the entire game, highlighting the lack of offensive cohesion and threat throughout the contest.
The match was a gritty and uneventful affair, with both teams struggling to create meaningful chances. United, despite the win, were far from their best. Their attacking play was labored, and much of the game felt like a tactical battle rather than a thrilling spectacle. The performance of Rasmus Højlund, in particular, came under scrutiny. The striker had a difficult time holding up the ball and linking up play, with his first touch often letting him down. His inability to make an impact was evident, and it was no surprise when he was substituted in the 58th minute for Joshua Zirkzee. The decision to replace him seemed like a mercy, as Højlund had struggled to make any significant contribution to United’s offensive efforts.
Manchester United’s attacking woes were compounded by their inability to break down Fulham’s defense. Bruno Fernandes had a promising free-kick from a good position on the left edge of the area, but his effort went underneath the defensive wall and into the side-netting. It was a near miss, but the best part of the moment was how goalkeeper André Onana came out of his goal and moved up the left wing to offer advice to Fernandes. Perhaps Onana simply craved some involvement, as he had little to do in the first half. His decision to leave his post showed a desire to be part of the action in a game that lacked excitement.
Fulham, too, struggled to make their mark on the game, despite having the better of the opening 20 minutes. Alex Iwobi looked lively, forcing a low save from Onana early on. Raúl Jiménez also had a chance after a flowing move, but Matthijs de Ligt made a crucial intervention. The hosts continued to press, with Iwobi having another shot at goal, but United’s defense held firm. Fulham’s attacking play was positive but ultimately ineffective, as they failed to create clear-cut chances despite their early dominance.
The game lacked the intensity and drama that one might expect from a Premier League clash, with the second half particularly uneventful. It was a waiting game, with both sides seemingly content to avoid making mistakes rather than push for a decisive goal. Fulham’s frustrations grew as they struggled to break down United’s defense, while United’s inability to find a rhythm in attack meant they were unable to put the game to bed.
Martínez’s late goal, however, changed everything. The Argentine central defender, who has become known for his fearless approach to defending, showed his attacking instincts when he struck the ball from outside the box. The deflection off Lukic was fortuitous, but it was a well-executed shot that found its way into the top corner. Martínez’s goal was a rare moment of quality in a game that had offered little in terms of excitement.
The match wasn’t without controversy, though. Martínez had a moment of recklessness when he appeared to stamp on Fulham substitute Adama Traoré in the 61st minute. Replays suggested it could have been a red card, but referee Anthony Taylor took no action, allowing Martínez to stay on the field. The challenge, which was reminiscent of a similar incident earlier in the season against Crystal Palace, raised eyebrows but ultimately did not affect the outcome.
Fulham had one final chance to equalize in the dying moments of the match when Joachim Andersen’s header from a corner was cleared off the line by substitute Toby Collyer. The clearance was crucial, as it kept United’s lead intact and ensured that Martínez’s goal would be the match-winner. The hosts were also denied a goal earlier when Amad Diallo thought he had doubled United’s lead, only for VAR to rule him offside by a hairline.
Despite the lack of flair and creativity, Manchester United managed to grind out a victory. It wasn’t a performance to be proud of, but it was a vital three points on the road. Martínez’s late goal and Collyer’s crucial clearance ensured that United left Fulham with the win, maintaining their momentum in a season that has been full of challenges. The victory, while not pretty, was a testament to the team’s resilience and their ability to take advantage of the few chances they had.