Fulham 0-1 Man Utd: Martinez’s Deflected Strike Secures Vital Victory

Manchester United earned a crucial 1-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday evening, with Lisandro Martinez netting the decisive goal through a fortunate deflection.

Match Summary

In what was a largely uneventful and lethargic encounter, neither side managed to create many clear-cut chances. Fulham edged the first half, with Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe forcing Andre Onana into routine saves, while United struggled in the final third. The Red Devils failed to register a shot on target before the interval, with Rasmus Højlund particularly ineffective.

The second half continued in similar fashion, but Martinez’s speculative strike in the 78th minute took a huge deflection off Sasa Lukic, wrongfooting Bernd Leno and securing a much-needed win for Ruben Amorim’s struggling side.

Fulham had late chances to equalize, with Toby Collyer clearing a Joachim Andersen header off the line, while Rodrigo Muniz missed a golden opportunity, blasting over from close range.

How the Game Unfolded

• First Half:
  • Fulham started the game more aggressively, with Iwobi and Smith Rowe testing Onana.
  • Man Utd failed to create meaningful chances, with Højlund recording just 17 touches in a frustrating display.
  • The visitors didn’t manage a single shot on target before half-time.
• Second Half:
  • Bruno Fernandes’ free kick in the 50th minute narrowly missed the target, skimming the side netting.
  • Adama Traoré had a great opportunity in the 75th minute but blazed over the bar.
  • Lisandro Martinez’s long-range effort took a huge deflection off Lukic in the 78th minute, securing the win for United.
  • Fulham pushed for an equalizer, but Collyer’s last-ditch clearance and Muniz’s missed chance ensured United took all three points.

Player Ratings

Fulham (4-2-3-1)

Substitutes:

• Adama Traoré (53′ for Wilson) – 6.4/10
• Rodrigo Muniz (64′ for Jimenez) – 5.7/10
• Andreas Pereira (83′ for Smith Rowe) – N/A
• Tom Cairney (83′ for Lukic) – N/A

Subs not used: Steven Andreas-Benda (GK), Issa Diop, Jorge Cuenca, Harrison Reed, Joshua King.

Manchester United (3-4-2-1)

Substitutes:

• Joshua Zirkzee (58′ for Højlund) – 6.1/10
• Toby Collyer (73′ for Ugarte) – 7.5/10 (crucial goal-line clearance)
• Kobbie Mainoo (83′ for Garnacho) – N/A

Subs not used: Altay Bayindir (GK), Jonny Evans, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay, Antony.

Talking Points

1. Rasmus Højlund’s Struggles Continue

Højlund failed to register a shot on target and struggled to hold up play. He lost nine out of 11 duels, often losing possession too easily. His goal drought now extends to 11 games.

2. Toby Collyer’s Heroic Block

The 21-year-old stepped up in a crucial moment, clearing Joachim Andersen’s header off the line. His defensive awareness helped United preserve their narrow lead.

3. A Lucky Escape for United

United lacked attacking fluidity and only won due to a massive stroke of luck. They struggled to create chances, managing just three shots on target all game.

4. Fulham’s Missed Opportunities

Rodrigo Muniz and Adama Traoré wasted golden chances to equalize late on. The home side will feel frustrated after matching United for large spells.

Final Verdict

✅ Manchester United get the job done – but it wasn’t pretty.
❌ Fulham wasted their best chances, lacking a cutting edge.
🌟 Lisandro Martinez and Toby Collyer played vital roles in securing the win.

🔮 Next Up:

• Man Utd: Travel to face Aston Villa next weekend.
• Fulham: Host Crystal Palace in a London derby.

Player of the Match: Lisandro Martinez (Man Utd)

Scored the winning goal (with a lucky deflection) and made crucial defensive contributions throughout the game.