Matheus Cunha’s Deflected Late Goal Earns Man Utd Draw at Fulham
Manchester United needed a deflected Matheus Cunha effort in the 89th minute to rescue a 1-1 Premier League draw at Fulham, with Bernd Leno’s five key saves close to delivering the home side a notable victory at Craven Cottage.
Late deflection changes a frustrating afternoon
United had created enough openings to take control of the contest, but Leno repeatedly denied Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo as Fulham held firm. The German goalkeeper’s display was central to the hosts’ position of strength after Martinez’s unusual own goal had put them ahead.
Cunha eventually found the equaliser one minute from time, although his shot required a significant touch off Fulham defender David Affengruber. The deflection wrongfooted Leno and carried the ball into the net, preventing Michael Carrick’s team from leaving west London empty-handed.
- Fulham took the lead through Martinez’s own goal.
- Leno made a series of important stops, including interventions against Cunha and Mbeumo.
- United continued to create chances but could not initially beat the Fulham goalkeeper.
- Cunha struck in the 89th minute, with Affengruber’s deflection taking the ball beyond Leno for 1-1.
Cunha recognises Leno’s influence
The Brazilian forward said United had generated sufficient chances to win, while also accepting that Fulham had played well. He felt more clinical finishing would have turned those opportunities into three points.
Cunha praised Leno as a consistently strong goalkeeper who was “unbelievable” on this occasion. He said United needed fortune to get past him, adding that his own goal may not have gone in without the contact from Affengruber.
United remain under pressure after five matches
The point leaves United 12th in the Premier League on five points from their first five fixtures. The subdued opening has increased attention on Carrick’s position, although Cunha insisted that the players remain together and continue to back their manager.
He acknowledged the noise that surrounds playing for United but said the squad were staying strong in their belief in the group and coaching staff. Cunha pointed to what the side achieved last season and said the response to disappointing results must be more work on the training ground and in matches.
- United drew 1-1 with Fulham at Craven Cottage.
- Cunha’s 89th-minute equaliser was heavily deflected by David Affengruber.
- Bernd Leno made five crucial saves for Fulham.
- United have five points from five league games and sit 12th.
- Tottenham Hotspur visit Old Trafford on October 10 after the three-week international break.
Break offers Carrick time before Tottenham test
The international break gives Carrick three weeks to reassess his side before a demanding home fixture against Tottenham on October 10. A victory over Spurs would offer United an immediate chance to improve their league position and ease the scrutiny surrounding the manager after an uneven start.
