Premier League
Fine margins keep Manchester United stuck at Craven Cottage
Matheus Cunha’s 89th‑minute deflected strike salvaged a point for Manchester United at Craven Cottage, leaving the match level and extending their Premier League winless streak to three. Michael Carrick blamed the fine margins that have cost his side, saying the narrow escape highlights deeper issues.
Martinez own goal and Lammens mishap
Just after the hour mark Lisandro Martinez inadvertently turned his own effort into a goal, a moment amplified by goalkeeper Senne Lammens’ fumble of Calvin Bassey’s shot with his legs. The defender’s surprise and the keeper’s botched clearance left the scores level and underscored United’s chaotic display.
The incident summed up the disorder that plagued Carrick’s side in west London. Fulham, who had been building momentum after a goalless draw at Liverpool, deserved the win that would have given Alvaro Arbeloa his first Premier League triumph, but the point was enough only to keep United in the bottom half of the table.
United’s point came after a string of setbacks: a controversial derby defeat to Manchester City, a draw at Everton and an opening‑day loss to Hull. Those results mean the club have secured just one victory from their opening five league games, a tally of five points that matches only the second time in Premier League history they have been that low after five matches.
‘It’s not been ideal,’ Carrick said, noting the single win from five. ‘Fine margins have flipped outcomes – the City goal that wasn’t, the Everton 25‑yard effort, today’s own goal.’ He added he is not despondent, believing the team has shown encouraging signs.
Cunha’s late equaliser
Cunha’s strike struck defender David Affengruber before looping past a wrong‑footed Bernd Leno, delivering the equaliser with minutes remaining. The goal arrived just as Fulham were inches from their first league win of the campaign, turning what could have been a defeat into a shared point.
Alvaro Arbeloa expressed disappointment, saying the team were ‘very unlucky with the goal we conceded’ and that ‘it is what it is, we need to keep working and improving.’ He acknowledged the month would be difficult against top sides but insisted his side are ‘in a good way’.
The draw leaves Manchester United entrenched in the bottom half as the international break approaches, while Fulham have climbed off the foot of the table after last week’s stalemate with Liverpool. Both managers stressed the need to learn from the experience as the season progresses.