Manchester United secured a 1-0 win over Fulham in Creiven Cottage.
Lisandro Martinez’s hit proved to be decisive in a game where opportunities were high.
The first half was far from an aggressive spectacle, without either teams being able to highlight its power in the game.
Fulham started brilliantly, with Alex Ibobi causing problems on the left side. The Nigerian extremist tasted Andre Onana twice, but failed to really concern the United goalkeeper.
Fulham’s best chance at Emile Smith Rowe, who found one against one with Onana but failed to achieve the goal, raising his efforts safely outside.
United, meanwhile, has had a hard time getting into the game. Alejandro Garnatsu and Bruno Fernandes have shown fleeting creativity, but the guests only made one shot in the first 45 minutes – their lowest first half account in the Premier League match since April 2024.
Are three points on the way to Reds 🔴👊#MUFC || #Fulmun
– Manchester United (@manutd) January 26 2025
The second half started in the same way, with both teams struggling to create important opportunities.
Fulham introduced Rodrigo Muniz and Adama Traore in an effort to give energy to her attack, while United made several changes, including the introduction of Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee. However, clear opportunities remained unobtrusive and the game seemed to be deadlocked.
The discovery was finally made in the 78th minute and it was a time of luck for the guests. The pull of the guard from the left found Toby Colier, who was unable to kick the shot.
The ball arrived at Martinez, who hit outside the big area. His ambitious effort led to a heavy diversion from Sasa Lukic, passing over Berd Leno and in the far corner. Craven Cottage was surprised and United had the lead.
Fulham threw everything to United at last moments. Timothy Castagne and Muniz both approached, with Muniz having a golden opportunity up close to late
A chaotic sequence saw Andreas Pereira’s corner launch by Joachim Andersen, just for Collyer to remove the line. Fulham called for a goal, but the repetitions confirmed that the ball had not passed.
United thought she had added a second to the dying moments, when Mainoo and Amad Diallo were beautifully combined, with the latter shooting. However, he intervened the VAR, excluding the offside goal, leaving Fulham with a dim hope.
Despite Fulham’s late pressure, United continued to claim a vital three -point lead.
