Manchester United’s wait for a first win of this season under what is considered to be a redemption drive from Ruben Amorim will drag on after a frustrating 1-1 draw against Fulham on August 24. What was supposed to be a night to turn the page on last season’s stutters instead ended with fans trudging out of Old Trafford wondering how their side let another victory slip away.
On paper, plenty looked promising. Mason Mount was full of running, Matheus Cunha drove fearlessly at Fulham’s backline, and even Bryan Mbuemo — despite wasting a couple of gilt-edged chances — looked sharp. Amorim’s side dominated the ball, controlled tempo, and created chances almost at will. Yet, when the moment came to seize control, United fluffed their lines.
That moment arrived midway through the first half when Calvin Bassey’s rash tackle on Mount during a corner saw VAR award United a penalty. Captain Bruno Fernandes, usually ice-cool in these situations, skied it horribly. The miss seemed to drain United’s early spark, with Fernandes himself looking increasingly frustrated as the half wore on.
The breakthrough eventually came after the interval, albeit in scrappy fashion. A corner bounced around the six-yard box, clipped Lenny Yoro, brushed Rodrigo Muniz, and trickled into the Fulham net. Old Trafford roared — more in relief than celebration — sensing this might finally open the floodgates.
Instead, it was Fulham who struck next. Substitute Emile Smith Rowe found himself unmarked at the edge of the box and coolly slotted past Bayandir, punishing United’s lapse in concentration. From there, Fulham finished the stronger side, carving out half-chances while United looked out of ideas.
For Amorim, it raises uncomfortable questions. Why bench Kobbie Mainoo when midfield control was so crucial? Why start without Benjamin eko, leaving Cunha isolated up front? Early days, yes, but this didn’t feel like the decisive, clinical United fans had been promised.
The draw gives United their first point of the season, but the hunt for a maiden win under Amorim goes on. That search resumes quickly — with a Carabao Cup clash against Grimsby Town up next on August 28.
– Ends