Fulham holds Manchester United to a 1-1 draw after Fernandes misses a penalty
Fulham held visiting Manchester United to a 1-1 draw in the Premier League on Sunday after Bruno Fernandes missed a first-half penalty kick and Emile Smith Rowe equalized for the home team with his first touch as a substitute to negate an own goal.
Leny Yoro’s header opened United’s account this season as it deflected off Rodrigo Muniz’s back. Smith Rowe then scored 93 seconds after entering the game as the two teams, each looking for their first victory of the year, shared the points.
We all want to contribute to the squad and score goals, so we compete fiercely during training. When we come off the bench, we know we have to put in a lot of effort and try to score,” Smith Rowe said to Sky Sports.
With two points, Fulham moved up to 13th place versus United, their first point in nine home games. Ruben Amorim’s team, however, is in 16th place with just one point from two games.
When Matheus Cunha had two attempts on goal in the opening two minutes—one a strong long-range attempt that went over the bar and the other a shot that came off the post with the keeper beaten—United made their intentions apparent right away….
Goalie Altay Bayindir launched the ball long, and the spectators held their breath as the Brazilian controlled it in the box. That gave the electric Cunha a third chance, but Bernd Leno made a great stop.
When Calvin Bassey wrestled with Mason Mount in the box prior to a set-piece and then threw the midfielder to the ground, Fulham almost took a shot.
Referee Chris Kavanagh voiced his decision to award a penalty over his microphone so that everyone could hear it after checking the VAR screen.
Penalty: Fernandes Skyes
Fernandes, the captain of United, who is always calm and determined, appeared annoyed when the referee brushed into him before he ran up, and Craven Cottage roared when the Portuguese playmaker missed his penalty kick.
Everyone follows their own schedule. I gave the ball a terrible kick, thus I missed the penalty,” Fernandes remarked.
“We’re quite disappointed. Of course, we were interested in the game. After our goal, we ought to have better managed it and forced them to run.
“One point is not enough for us. In order to win the game, we came here.
United scored from a corner to draw the first blood in the second half.
The header from Yoro’s header off Muniz’s back was deflected into the net as he stepped up to meet Bryan Mbeumo’s cross.
When Smith Rowe was substituted by Marco Silva, United’s lead was short-lived as the midfielder dribbled into the six-yard box and stabbed in an Iwobi cross.
“It was really quick, I know when Alex gets the ball, I know his trademark cross and I have to be there to finish,” said Smith Rowe.
By pressing high to get the ball back and occasionally slicing open the defense without testing the keeper, Fulham’s goal gave them a boost and sent United back into their own half.
After coming on in the 87th minute, Harry Maguire had a chance to win the match with a header at the back post from another United corner, but it missed.
