Manchester United squandered a chance to claim their first Premier League win of the season as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, August 24, 2025.
Bruno Fernandes missed a first-half penalty before second-half goals from Leny Yoro and Emile Smith Rowe ensured the spoils were shared in west London.
United, coming off a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on opening weekend, started brightly and looked the sharper side in the early exchanges. Matheus Cunha rattled the post after combining well with Mason Mount, while Bernd Leno produced two fine saves to deny Fernandes and Cunha in quick succession.
Their persistence appeared to pay off in the 38th minute when Calvin Bassey dragged Mount down inside the box. A lengthy VAR check confirmed the penalty, but Fernandes blazed his spot-kick over the bar, a miss widely criticised by fans and pundits, with some branding it “the worst penalty ever.”
Former United captain Gary Neville defended the referee’s decision, noting that new directives this season demand stricter punishments for grappling during set-pieces.
United finally broke the deadlock just before the hour mark. Bryan Mbeumo’s corner created chaos in the box, and Yoro’s header deflected off Rodrigo Muniz before finding the net. Initially disputed for a possible push, the goal stood after review.
Marco Silva’s substitutions shifted the momentum. Emile Smith Rowe, introduced moments earlier, scored with his first touch in the 67th minute, poking home from Alex Iwobi’s cross after a defensive lapse by United.
Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages. Harry Maguire went close with a header, while Fulham threatened on the counter, but neither could find the decisive strike.
Softfootball reports that the result ended Fulham’s run of eight consecutive home league defeats to United and left Ruben Amorim still searching for answers after collecting just seven wins in his first 29 Premier League matches.
The English side boastfully posted on their official X account in a message to the fans that it felt good to be home.
They Posted:
United will rue their missed chances, particularly Fernandes’ penalty, as questions mount over their attacking efficiency and ability to close out games.
