Manchester United’s winless start to the new season continued after they threw away the lead at Fulham to take home a point.
Ruben Amorim’s side started the stronger, just as they did against Arsenal a week ago, and struck the post in the first two minutes.
But this United side are not clinical and despite Leny Yoro giving them the lead, they paid the price for not putting the game beyond Fulham’s reach when Emile Smith Rowe came off the bench to equalise.
Daily Mail Sport’s NATHAN SALT gives his verdict on Amorim’s players.
Man City
V
Tottenham
*18+, excludes NI. Terms and conditions apply
Leny Yoro scored his first Premier League goal for Manchester United to make it 1-0 at Fulham
Emile Smith Rowe came off the bench to help ensure Fulham got something out of the game
MANCHESTER UNITED (3-4-2-1)
Altay Bayindir – 6
Made a sharp save with his feet to deny Josh King in the early exchanges but looks like a little kid when he’s swarmed at every corner kick. Unlucky not to have a first half assist when he picked out Matheus Cunha with a pinpoint ball over the top. Couldn’t do anything about Fulham’s goal.
Leny Yoro – 8
The Frenchman is the best signing United have made since Ineos took control of football operations and he showed why at both ends here. At one end he made a goal-saving tackle with Josh King ready to run through on goal. Minutes later he rose highest to nod in Bryan Mbeumo’s corner. His first Premier League goal.
Matthjis de Ligt – 6
After a brilliant display against Arsenal, De Ligt looked to be backing it up here until he badly miscalculated at the near post seconds before Fulham equalised through Emile Smith Rowe.
The Dutchman looks every part the vocal leader who instills confidence to those either side of him and he made a crucial block in first half stoppage time to prevent Fulham taking the lead but a costly error to let the ball go past him unchallenged was a basic mistake.
Luke Shaw – 7
On his 200th Premier League appearance for Manchester United, Shaw showed all of that experience to keep things calm and composed, even when Fulham began to find a foothold. He feels like a new signing if United can keep him fit across the course of the campaign.
Read More
Man United target Senne Lemmens spotted watching Antwerp’s game after being left out of squad
Amad – 5
Preferred at right wing-back to Diogo Dalot in a sign that Manchester United would play a more attacking game. But he was reduced to being a non-factor in the Fulham half by the Cottagers and saw his involvement limited to keeping the ball out of his own net. Way below what he is capable of. Was hooked seven minutes into the second half.
Casemiro – 5.5
Was busy in the opening exchanges and found himself flying in to tackles with conviction. But the longer United went without making their dominance count and the more Fulham grew into the game, the bigger the gaps opened up around the Brazilian. Ruben Amorim took quick action to replace him early in the second half. Booked.
Bruno Fernandes – 5
Howler of a penalty. Fernandes looked unnerved after taking an accidental bump from referee Chris Kavanagh and couldn’t shake it off for his first fluffed spot kick since Chelsea at home in December 2023. He’s a super talent but he never looks totally comfortable playing in a deeper role. It doesn’t maximise his game. One of his off days.
Bruno Fernandes uncharacteriscally missed the mark when Man United had a penalty kick
Patrick Dorgu – 6
Started with so much purpose and so much promise but as this wore on his attacking output shrunk and he was pegged right back. Made a silly foul at the start of stoppage time but did make a number of key interventions during a tricky second half for United.
Bryan Mbeumo – 6.5
Was anonymous for much of the contest, in truth, but delivered a big moment when his team needed it most and for that he deserves credit.
A lot has been made of his crossing delivery and he lived up to that reputation to tee up Leny Yoro for the opening goal. Ruben Amorim and United’s supporters will hope that is a sign of great things to come.
Mason Mount – 7
Looks reborn so far this season and was at the heart of a lot of what United did well. Teed up Matheus Cunha within two minutes after a brilliant spin in the box before he was thrown to the ground by Calvin Bassey to win a penalty. Meriting his starting role right now but needs to become more of a goal threat to further elevate this side.
Matheus Cunha – 6.5
Hit the post just two minutes in and then had a second chance to get his first league goal for Manchester United when he brilliantly brought Bayindir’s ball over the top out of the sky. Cunha is such a threat every time he plays but he has to become more clinical if United are to realise their ambitions of getting back into Europe. Faded into the background in the second half which is a concern.
Matheus Cunha was the most dangerous player on the pitch in the first half but he faded later
MANAGER: Ruben Amorim – 5
His wait for a Premier League win this season goes on despite two promising performances. He turned to defenders – rather than attackers – late on despite United needing a goal to go on and win the game.
SUBS
Diogo Dalot (for Casemiro, 52) – 5
Let himself down with an erronous touch in the lead up to Fulham’s equaliser. Got into some promising positions in attacking areas but couldn’t find an accurate cross to big man Sesko.
Benjamin Sesko (for Amad Diallo, 52) – 5
Longest run out for him in a United shirt but he was kept under lock and key by Fulham as team-mates couldn’t work out how to get him into the contest. Finished with just 15 touches of the ball.
Manuel Ugarte (for Mason Mount, 69) – 6
Harry Maguire (for Leny Yoro, 87)
Ayden Heaven (for Luke Shaw, 87)
FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno 7; Tete 5.5, Andersen 6, Bassey 5, Sessegnon 6 (Robinson 62, 7); Berge 6.5, Lukic 6; Castagne 5.5 (Wison 62, 7), King 6 (Smith Rowe 71, 7.5), Iwobi 7.5; Muniz 5.5 (Jimenez 71, 6)
