Manchester United Secures Narrow Victory Over Fulham At Craven Cottage

Manchester United emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage, marking their eighth consecutive Premier League victory at this venue.

Battle of Midfield

The match kicked off with Fulham holding a seven-point advantage over United in the league standings. Early exchanges saw both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances.

Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, enjoying his best goalscoring season to date, tested United’s goalkeeper André Onana with two low shots within the first 20 minutes.

However, Onana was equal to the task, comfortably handling both attempts.

As the first half progressed, the home side appeared more content, having witnessed a golden opportunity when Antonee Robinson, aiming to extend his impressive tally of nine Premier League assists, found Raúl Jiménez.

Unfortunately for Fulham, Jiménez blazed his shot over from a tight angle, leaving the match goalless at halftime. The lack of attacking urgency continued into the second half, with Bruno Fernandes sending a low free-kick into the side netting.

Moment of Magic

The second half saw a continuation of the defensive deadlock, with over 20 minutes played without either side managing a touch in the opposition area. United, who had a tendency to concede first in their recent matches, seemed destined for another goalless draw as substitute Adama Traoré’s wild effort drifted wide.

However, the tide turned in the 78th minute when Lisandro Martínez capitalized on a poor clearance from Fulham’s defense. Alert and ready, Martínez intercepted the ball and unleashed a heavily deflected shot from distance that found its way into the net, glancing off the underside of the crossbar and eluding the fingertips of Fulham’s goalkeeper, Bernd Leno.

Late Defensive Act

As the match neared its conclusion, Fulham pressed for an equalizer, creating a moment of tension when substitute Toby Collyer cleared a header from Joachim Andersen off the line, preserving United’s slim lead.

In the dying moments, Rodrigo Muniz squandered two golden opportunities to test Onana, leaving Fulham frustrated.

A stoppage-time disallowed goal from Amad Diallo added to the drama but ultimately proved inconsequential as United held on to secure a vital three points. This victory lifted United’s spirits and moved them up to 12th in the Premier League standings, just four points behind Fulham, who remained in the top half in 10th place.