Manchester United’s difficult start to the Premier League season continued after they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Michael Carrick’s side arrived in London desperate for a positive response following a disappointing run of results, but another underwhelming performance left United with just five points from their opening five league matches.
Fulham looked the more energetic side for significant periods and repeatedly caused problems for United’s defence. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens was forced into several important saves as the hosts pushed for an opener.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 63rd minute in unfortunate circumstances for United. Lisandro Martínez turned the ball into his own net after Lammens failed to properly deal with Calvin Bassey’s effort, giving Fulham a deserved advantage.
United responded with greater urgency after falling behind, but Fulham appeared on course for their first Premier League victory of the campaign until Matheus Cunha rescued the visitors in the 89th minute. His long-range effort took a significant deflection off David Affengruber, wrong-footing Bernd Leno and earning United a point.
Despite avoiding defeat, the result does little to ease concerns surrounding United’s early-season form. Carrick’s team have recorded only one victory from their first five Premier League matches, collecting five points and heading into the international break in the bottom half of the table.
Their intensity has also come under scrutiny. Fulham covered 6.6 kilometres more than United during the match, while Cunha admitted afterwards that the hosts showed greater energy.
The international break now gives Carrick valuable time to address United’s problems. With expectations always high at Old Trafford, performances and results will need to improve quickly when Premier League action resumes.
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