Man United miss chance to re‑sign Danny Welbeck as attack stalls

Man United failed to re‑sign former academy graduate Danny Welbeck as they scraped a 1‑1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage, a point earned thanks to Matheus Cunha’s late deflected equaliser in the 89th minute. The match, which saw Lisandro Martínez score an own‑goal for the hosts early in the second half, left United’s attacking woes exposed.

Early pressure and own goal

Fulham entered the game bottom of the Premier League under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, still hunting for their first league win. United’s defence looked porous, and an own‑goal by Lisandro Martínez 18 minutes into the second half handed the visitors the lead. Travelling fans booed loudly when Michael Carrick substituted Kobbie Mainoo, reflecting frustration at the side’s lack of shape.

Cunha’s late rescue

When United fell behind, Carrick could only turn to Joshua Zirkzee off the bench, a decision that underlined the thinness of the summer recruitment. Benjamin Sesko missed the match through injury, prompting Carrick to start Matheus Cunha as a false nine while Marcus Rashford and Bryan Mbeumo were pushed wider. Rashford, earning £350,000 a week, has not scored in any of his six league appearances this season.

Cunha had earlier seen a powerful effort hit the post before his 89th‑minute strike, which deflected heavily off David Affengruber, forced a scramble and finally found the net. The Brazilian’s contribution earned him a 7‑point rating, the highest of United’s attackers on the match‑day scorecard.

Welbeck missed and future doubts

United explored re‑signing Danny Welbeck from Brighton earlier last season, but talks with his advisers collapsed and Brighton opted to sell him to Chelsea for as little as £4 million, according to sources. The club therefore missed a chance to add a proven leader who could have led the line and bolstered morale. Carrick’s decision to forgo Welbeck left United without a genuine focal point up front.

Post‑match player ratings reflected United’s uneven performance: Senne Lammens 5, Diogo Dalot 5, Harry Maguire 7, Lisandro Martínez 4, Luke Shaw 4, Kobbie Mainoo 6, Youri Tielemans 5, Bryan Mbeumo 6, Bruno Fernandes 5, Marcus Rashford 5, Matheus Cunha 7. Substitutes Joshua Zirkzee 5, Mason Mount 6 and Patrick Dorgu 5 completed the list.

Perry Groves, speaking after the final whistle, warned that Carrick “won’t last half a season” and noted United have won only one of their five league games this term. He added that the team showed urgency when trailing 1‑0 but struggled to create chances once they were level. Gary Neville described United’s second‑half spell as “the worst 15 minutes I have ever seen the club play”, questioning Carrick’s tactical choices. Carrick defended his approach, insisting the side controlled much of the first half and that occasional lapses are part of Premier League football.

United now face a three‑week pause for the international break before returning in mid‑October, giving Carrick time to address the squad’s defensive frailties and striking deficiencies.