The Red Devils get three major points in the west of London

Manchester United won a 1-0 victory over the Fulham in Craven Cottage.

Lisandro Martínez’s diverted attack was decisive in a game where the chances were limited.

The first half was far from an offensive show, without any of the two teams being able to mark their authority in the game.

The Fulham started strongly, with Alex Iwobi causing problems for the left flank. The Nigerian end tried Andre Onana twice, but did not really manage the United goalkeeper.

The best opportunity for the Fulham in the middle was Emile Smith Rowe, who found one against one with Onana, but did not reach the goal and lifted his effort harmlessly.

United, meanwhile, struggled to enter the game. Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes showed a creativity, but the visitors won only one shot in the first 45 minutes: their lowest number in the first half in a Premier League match since April 2024.

Are three points on the road for the reds 🔴👊#Mufc || #FulMun

– Manchester United (@manutd) January 26, 2025

The second half started in the same vein, with both teams struggling to generate significant occasions.

The Fulham presented Rodrigo Muniz and Adama Traore in an attempt to inject energy into his attack, while the United made several changes, including the introduction of Kobbie Moinoo and Joshua Zirkzee. However, clear opportunities remained elusive and the party seemed to a deadline.

The break finally came in the 78th minute, and it was a time of fortune for the visitors. Garnacho’s back shot from the left found Toby Collyer, who couldn’t end a shot.

The ball bounced to Martinez, who struck from outside the area. His ambitious effort took a strong detour from Sasa Lukic, passing over Bernd Leno and to the farthest corner. Craven Cottage was surprised, and United had leadership.

The Fulham threw everything to United in the last moments. Timothy Castagne and Muniz approached, with Muniz scoring a golden opportunity from short distance to discount time.

A chaotic sequence saw Andreas Pereira’s corner launched Joachim Andersen, just because Collyer diverted the line. The Fulham asked for a goal, but the repetitions confirmed that the ball had not crossed.

The United thought that he had added a second in the last moments when Moinoo and Amad Diallo combined very well, with the latter firing at home. However, the VAR intervened, discarding the goal out of play, leaving the Fulham with little hope.

Despite the late pressure from Fulham, the United endured to claim three vital points.