Manchester United held by Fulham as difficult Premier League start continues

Manchester United’s disappointing start to the Premier League season continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Lisandro Martinez put the hosts ahead with an own goal in the second half, before Matheus Cunha’s late effort earned United a point in a repeat of last season’s result at the London stadium.

The draw leaves Manchester United with five points from their opening five matches, their lowest total at this stage of a Premier League campaign since the 2014-15 season.

United remain 12th in the table on goal difference, while Fulham moved off the bottom after collecting their second point. Tottenham replaced them at the foot of the standings.

Luke Shaw returned at left-back for Manchester United, replacing Patrick Dorgu in the only change to the side. Fulham selected Goncalo Garcia to lead their attack.

Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno was called into action after 10 minutes, producing an excellent save to turn a first-time effort from Martinez behind for a corner.

Bruno Fernandes then struck the crossbar in the 25th minute as United began to threaten, but the momentum soon shifted towards the home side.

Oscar Bobb’s attempt went narrowly wide of the left post after 30 minutes, while Leno produced another important stop a minute later to keep out a surprise shot from Cunha.

Fulham continued to look dangerous and Seni Lamine denied Josh King with a save from a clear opportunity in the 32nd minute.

The first half ended goalless despite 26 shots, making it the highest-shooting half in the Premier League since the 2003-04 season to finish without a goal.

Fulham finally broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute in unfortunate fashion for United. Martinez inadvertently turned the ball into his own net after an initial shot had rebounded off the goalkeeper’s hand.

Leno kept Fulham in front four minutes later when he saved Bryan Mbeumo’s effort, with United increasing the pressure as they searched for an equaliser.

Manchester United eventually found a way through in the 89th minute. Cunha’s low shot took a deflection off the Fulham defence, changing direction before finding the net and securing a share of the points.

The result means United have drawn 1-1 with Fulham at Craven Cottage for the second consecutive season, extending a difficult opening to their campaign.