Manchester United have tried on many occasions to build momentum in the league, and given the start to 2025 after the abysmal December under manager Ruben Amorim, a trip to Craven Cottage has become a chance to boost United momentum, with late drama playing a key role as Garnacho and Fernandes have provided moments late in the games on previous visits, while the opening clash of the season saw Zirkzee grab a winner against Fulham at Old Trafford.

The game was reminiscent of the opening game of the season in which Fulham were the better team for the majority of the game in terms of chance creation and seeming to have a system in place that players understand, however as happened on the opening day of the season, and the aforementioned recent victories at Craven Cottage, United were able to get it over the line in spite of the performance.

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Teams

Manchester United had arguably their best XI out from the start, as the youthful attacking 3 of Garnacho-Hojlund-Amad weren’t fully up to scratch again as they struggled to create any clear opportunities, relying on the centre back to save the day. The back-line contained the most experience available, however United’s senior options remained on the bench as the youngsters were given responsibility to see the game out.

For Fulham, they opted for Jimenez instead of Muniz leading their line, however their attacking line changed throughout the second half as the hosts felt like they had the beating of United, and just needed some fresh legs to finish the chances that were being created. We also saw former United midfielder Pereira off the bench as he continues to enjoy his post-United Premier League career.

Fulham: Leno, Robinson, Bassey, Andersen, Castagne, Berge, Lukic (Cairney 82′), Iwobi, Smith Rowe (Pereira 82′), Wilson (Traore 53′), Jimenez (Muniz 64′)

Subs: Benda, Diop, Cuenca, Reed, King

Manchester United: Onana, Martinez, Maguire, De Ligt (Yoro 58′), Dalot, Fernandes, Ugarte (Collyer 76′), Mazraoui (Malacia 81′), Garnacho (Mainoo 81′), Amad, Hojlund (Zirkzee 58′)

Subs: Bayindir, Lindelof, Casemiro, Eriksen

Fulham 0-1 Manchester United

Manchester United secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, courtesy of a deflected strike from Lisandro Martínez. The Argentine defender’s 78th-minute effort, which looped in off Sasa Lukic, was United’s only shot on target in a match largely devoid of attacking quality. The win marked United’s fourth Premier League triumph under manager Ruben Amorim, lifting them to 12th place in the standings, four points behind 10th-placed Fulham.

Fulham began the match with greater intent, controlling possession and creating several half-chances. Alex Iwobi tested André Onana early on, while Raúl Jiménez and Emile Smith Rowe also threatened but failed to convert. Despite their dominance, the Cottagers couldn’t find a breakthrough, and United gradually grew into the game. The decisive moment came when Martínez capitalized on a loose ball outside the box, his shot taking a significant deflection off Lukic to beat Bernd Leno.

Fulham pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages, with substitute Rodrigo Muniz missing a clear opportunity and Joachim Andersen’s header cleared off the line by young United midfielder Toby Collyer. Amad Diallo thought he had doubled United’s lead in stoppage time, but his goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review . Despite the narrow margin, Amorim’s side held on for a vital three points, providing a much-needed boost ahead of their upcoming Europa League fixture against FCSB.

Talking Points

Manchester United were once again indebted to Lisandro Martínez as the defender delivered a rare but decisive contribution in front of goal to seal a 1-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage. In a match short on quality, it was Martínez who stepped up in the 78th minute, rifling a deflected effort past Bernd Leno after a loose ball fell kindly to him on the edge of the box. The goal, United’s only shot on target, was enough to secure three hard-earned points and offered further proof of the Argentine’s value beyond his defensive duties. His passion and aggression set the tone throughout, but this time, it was his composure in the final third that settled a tense contest.

Late drama at Fulham has become a familiar script for Manchester United in recent years. This latest narrow victory echoed similar storylines from previous visits to Craven Cottage, including dramatic injury-time winners from Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho in recent seasons. Fulham once again played with intent and control for large stretches of the match, but their inability to convert possession into goals left them vulnerable. United, though far from convincing, showed a now-customary ruthlessness in the dying stages, capitalising on one clear opening to punish their hosts and maintain their psychological edge in this fixture.

With domestic momentum now back on track under Ruben Amorim, attention shifts swiftly to Europe, where United face FCSB in their final Europa League group-stage match. Having already secured qualification for the knockout rounds, Amorim may be tempted to rotate, but the match still holds significance for seeding and confidence. Players like Martínez, whose leadership and intensity remain vital, could be central again as United look to build rhythm and cohesion heading into a demanding stretch of the season. Victory at Craven Cottage may not have dazzled, but it provided a timely boost ahead of what could be a defining European night.