Fulham 1–1 United
Where do I even start?
Honestly, I didn’t feel like writing this when the game ended. It’s hard to go from dominating Arsenal to looking this disconnected against Fulham. The first 20 minutes gave hope, but after that, we fell apart.
A Game That Should’ve Been Won
It felt like a must-win, even if I didn’t expect it to be before kick-off. But after the performance against Arsenal, where we looked like the better team, this one felt like a real opportunity. We hadn’t lost at Craven Cottage since 2009, and Fulham hadn’t beaten us in eight games.
We started well.
Cunha had a few bright moments: one long-range shot and another big chance created straight from a Bayındır long ball. Great touch, quick hit, saved by Leno.
Then came the penalty incident.
Iwobi clearly shoved Mount, VAR saw it, gave the pen. Bruno stepped up but tripped with ref slightly while doing his usual routine. He blamed the ref for getting in the way, but also admitted he didn’t strike it clean.
Missed. 0-0 still.
United Take the Lead
We finally got our goal, a corner from Mbeumo, flicked on by Yoro, deflected off Muniz and into the net. Bit scrappy, but we’ll take it.
1-0 United.
Fulham Hit Back
Then came the equaliser, and it was sloppy.
Dalot loses the ball trying a flick in midfield. Bruno doesn’t track his runner. De Ligt is half a step late. Smith Rowe scores.
After that? We looked completely lost.
“We knew how they defend and we know they like to squeeze from the back five. And if you don’t give bodies for them to squeeze from the back five you can create superiority in the middle.
We know they play with two in the middle, we tried to overload with our three plus Alex. It was as simple as that.”
— Marco Silva, post-match
“We knew we would be able to get behind their two midfielders.”
— Alex Iwobi
Marco Silva and his staff knew exactly where to hurt us; the midfield. They targeted the space behind Bruno and Casemiro, and it worked. Second half, we barely created anything. And the subs didn’t fix it either.
Midfield Problems Again
Bruno had an off day. The missed penalty, the possession losses, and walking back instead of marking Smith Rowe on the goal, not good enough. I love him. He’s our captain. But he needs to manage his emotions better in-game. He looked frustrated the entire second half.
Ugarte came on, but he’s not the answer in a midfield two. He breaks up play, yes; but he can’t hold the ball or progress it under pressure. That’s a big problem.
We need a ball-winner who can keep possession, or a proper ball-carrier next to Bruno. Right now, the balance just isn’t there.
My preference? Ugarte + Mainoo or even Mainoo + Casemiro.
Mainoo’s calm, can carry the ball, and doesn’t force things. And that brings us to Amorim…
Amorim’s Logic – Or Lack Of?
Post-match, Amorim said this:
“Mainoo is competing with Bruno for that role. Ugarte is competing with Casemiro.”
Okay, but why?
If Bruno’s having a bad day, why can’t he come off?
Why can’t Mainoo play next to Bruno when Ugarte isn’t working? These are small decisions that can change a game. Amorim’s a great coach, but he can’t be this rigid. Even fans can see what’s not working; it shouldn’t take 90 minutes to figure it out.
We’ve taken 4 points from 4 games, fair enough considering the fixtures. But there’s no reason to repeat avoidable mistakes.
Transfer Clock Is Ticking
We’ve got until Monday, September 1 at 7 PM BST to get a midfielder in. And we need one badly. If Silva can exploit our shape, imagine what a Slott or Pep could do.
There’s also movement on the goalkeeper front.
Senne Lammens looks close to signing. Onana’s been on the bench, and it’s time to give Senne a proper run if he joins.
🧤 No goalkeeper in the world had more saves (178) or more goals prevented (15.8) than Senne Lammens in 2024–25.
— Stat Source: @StatBelgium
Final Thoughts
Fair result in the end. But disappointing considering how we started.
This team can play. We saw it against Arsenal. But we need structure in midfield, better finishing, and smarter game management from the sidelines.
Im going to watch Newcastle vs Liverpool now. Should be a proper one, especially with Isak – Liverpool rumours.
Till next time — YANITED. YANITED. YANITED.
UNITED SCRIPTED. 
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