Discover how Lisandro Martinez’s decisive strike secured vital points for United, showcasing his talent and determination in a thrilling match.
Introduction:
Manchester United won 1-0 at Craven Cottage thanks to a heavily deflected long-range effort from Lisandro Martinez. The defender’s 30-yard strike looped over Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno after taking a wicked deflection off Sasa Lukic, settling a match that otherwise lacked quality in attack from both sides.
United could not manage to create proper scoring opportunities but successfully took their run of Premier League visits to Craven Cottage to nine without defeat. The win now sends them into 12th place in the Premier League table, whereas Fulham’s hopes of making it into the European spots suffered a setback as they remain 10th.
See also: Riccardo Calafiori’s Goal Secures Arsenal’s Vital 1-0 Win Over Wolves
A Game of Few Highlights
It was a tepid first half, though Fulham were the livelier side. At least Alex Iwobi was full of energy, playing one of those three positions behind Raul Jimenez. He found sufficient space to cause United problems, and he recorded two shots on goal, though neither were likely to unsettle Andre Onana particularly.
Within these 45 minutes, United could manage only one shot as their attack was found wanting against a well-organized Fulham defense. The chants for more urgency from the home fans didn’t help much on this day of a 3-4-3 setup from Ruben Amorim’s team.
Lisandro Martinez Break through in the second half
The second half was more of the same, with both teams struggling to find that final pass or finish. United had a fleeting moment of excitement when Bruno Fernandes sent a 20-yard free-kick into the side netting, momentarily fooling the away end into thinking it had gone in.
It was to be 72 minutes before the deadlock was broken. Martinez advanced from defense to unleash a speculative shot from range. A deflection off Lukic completely changed the ball’s trajectory, leaving Leno helpless as it looped into the net.
Fulham’s Late Push
Fulham came close to finding an equalizer in the final stages. Joachim Andersen was closest with a powerful header, which substitute Toby Collyer heroically cleared off the line. Minutes later, Rodrigo Muniz wasted a good chance inside the penalty area by firing over the bar.
Amad Diallo thought he had doubled United’s advantage by slotting home, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review, with the Ivorian deemed to be offside in the build-up.
Key Performers
Lisandro Martinez: Martinez’s defensive contribution and decisive goal ensured the win for United. Though the goal was lucky, composure and the willingness to go for it from range proved crucial in breaking the deadlock.
Alex Iwobi: Iwobi was Fulham’s brightest spark in attack. His movement and ability to exploit spaces kept United’s backline alert, though he faded in the second half as Fulham’s creativity dried up.
Toby Collyer: The young substitute made a game-saving intervention to deny Andersen’s late header, showcasing composure and awareness in a high-pressure moment.
Tactical Takeaways
United’s Attacking Struggles Continue
Despite the win, United were far from impressive. The team could only muster one shot on target—the deflected goal—showing that the problems in clear-cut chances creation are still there. Amorim’s 3-4-3 system has been solid at the back but has not shown attacking fluidity.
Fulham’s Defensive Solidity
Marco Silva’s team showed their trademark order and discipline to shut up shop against United in much of the game. But their failure to possess adequate firepower on the front end remains an issue. They wasted enough late opportunities to worry.
What’s Next?
Manchester United
United travel to Old Trafford next Sunday to face Crystal Palace. Amorim will be hoping his team can find some sharpness up front and get back to winning ways quickly, given the slow start to the season.
Fulham
Fulham face a test that will definitely test their spirits next weekend against in-form Newcastle United. Silva’s team will need to rediscover their attacking edge to keep their European ambitions alive.