In a season of ups and downs, Manchester United snatched a crucial away victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage, courtesy of a dramatic late strike from Lisandro Martínez. While not the most glamorous match of the season, this gritty 1-0 win highlighted both resilience and luck in equal measure. United fans, take heart: your team is learning how to grind out results, even when the odds don’t always favor them.
Lisandro Martínez is no stranger to decisive moments. Having already delivered an iconic goal earlier in the season against Liverpool, the Argentine defender was at it again. In the 72nd minute, Martínez pounced on a loose ball outside the box, unleashing a hopeful shot. Thanks to a fortunate deflection off Fulham’s Sasa Lukic, the ball looped into the far top corner. It wasn’t pretty, but it was enough to secure all three points for Manchester United.
This was no ordinary moment. It was United’s only shot on target in a match marked by tactical struggles and low energy. Yet, the importance of Martínez’s goal cannot be overstated. With every team in the Premier League fighting tooth and nail, moments like these separate contenders from pretenders.
United’s new coach, Rúben Amorim, is still feeling his way into what some call “the Impossible Job” at Old Trafford. While his reign has been far from perfect, one emerging pattern is clear: United are proving to be a tough nut to crack on the road. Some of their most impressive performances under Amorim have come away from home, with notable results against Liverpool, Arsenal, and now Fulham.
At Craven Cottage, Amorim’s team showed flashes of organization and determination but still lacked cohesion in attack. Rasmus Højlund, who was tasked with leading the line, struggled to impose himself.
The Danish striker’s performance raised more questions than answers about his ability to operate as a lone target man. Yet, despite these shortcomings, United’s defensive discipline ultimately carried them through.
While Martínez’s goal will grab the headlines, it’s worth shining a light on Toby Collyer, the young substitute who produced a game-saving moment late in the match. In the 89th minute, Fulham’s Joachim Andersen met a corner with a powerful header, seemingly destined to equalize.
But Collyer, stationed on the goal line, made an incredible clearance. Replays showed the ball was millimeters from crossing the line, but Collyer’s quick thinking and bravery preserved United’s lead.
Moments like these reflect the depth and determination that Amorim is instilling in his squad. Collyer, a relatively unknown name, proved that even fringe players can have a massive impact.
As is often the case with close matches, this one wasn’t without its share of controversy. Martínez was fortunate to stay on the pitch after a contentious challenge on Fulham’s Adama Traoré in the 61st minute. A replay showed Martínez appearing to stamp with both feet, but referee Anthony Taylor took no action, and the PGMOL later ruled that the challenge did not meet the threshold for a red card. Fulham fans, however, will likely feel hard done by.
Adding to the drama was a disallowed goal by Amad Diallo in stoppage time. The young winger finished superbly, only for VAR to rule him offside by the narrowest of margins. In a game this tight, every decision felt magnified, but United’s ability to hold on speaks to their growing mental toughness.
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Fulham’s Missed Opportunities
Fulham, for their part, will rue missed chances. The home side started brightly, with Alex Iwobi looking particularly lively on the left wing. Iwobi forced a couple of saves from Andre Onana, and Raul Jiménez came close with a flowing team move in the first half. However, as the game wore on, Fulham’s intensity faded, and they failed to capitalize on key moments.
Rodrigo Muniz had a golden opportunity late in the second half, blasting over the bar from a promising position. That miss, combined with Andersen’s denied header, summed up a frustrating evening for Marco Silva’s men.
This win doesn’t paper over the cracks in Manchester United’s performances. Amorim still has plenty of work to do, particularly in finding a solution to their attacking woes. Højlund’s struggles as a target man suggest a tactical rethink may be necessary. Meanwhile, the midfield, led by Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, must find a way to control games more effectively.
Still, there are positives to take. Martínez continues to be a clutch performer, and United’s defense, anchored by Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire, is showing signs of stability. With key players like Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho gaining valuable minutes, the future looks bright if Amorim can unlock their full potential.
