Manchester United were held by Fulham as Old Trafford welcomed back fans for the first time since March 2020
An Edinson Cavani stunner failed to secure Manchester United a win on their first outing in front of fans at Old Trafford this season.
After 436 days, the fans returned to Old Trafford to see United take on Fulham with very few changes to the lineup following the previous defeat to Liverpool. After a gruelling schedule for the Reds, Axel Tuanzebe slotted into the lineup, replacing Eric Bailly, as Harry Maguire remained sidelined as he looked to recover for the upcoming Europa League final. Marcus Rashford was on the bench tonight to make way for Mason Greenwood on the wing.
The already relegated Fulham fielded a side with four changes to their last, as they played their remaining games in the Premier League. An unusual absence from the squad was Aleksandar Mitrovic, who was not even present on the bench. The young winger Fabio Carvalho received his first start in the Premier League.
After five minutes, United got their first opportunity of the game, following a promising cross from Aaron Wan Bissaka, Paul Pogba’s header was just over the crossbar.
A foul on Greenwood rewarded a free kick to United on the right flank, yet Bruno Fernandes’ cross into the box was easily dealt with by Fulham.
A fancy flick on from Bruno Fernandes led to a fantastic turn from Edinson Cavani which got him behind the Fulham defence. The Uruguayan saw a great opportunity to strike from distance and he rifled it home from forty yards out, leaving Alphonse Areola no chance. An incredible goal followed by an incredible roar from the Old Trafford fans.
Soon after, Fernandes picked up the first booking of the night for halting a Fulham counter attack.
A great hustle from Cavani won the ball back for United high up the field, McTominay thought about the shot but left it for Fernandes, who struck a strong shot towards goal, forcing a great save from Areola.
There was very little threat from Fulham in the first third of the match, although they were the first to make a change, with the injured Harrison Reed being replaced by Joachim Andersen.
Luke Shaw gave the ball away cheaply to gift a chance to Carvalho. Despite this, the United defence quickly worked the ball back into their possession and a rare Fulham attack petered out.
A needle threading pass to Carvalho sliced open the United defence, yet the shot could not match the sensational pass from Lookman, as De Gea saved comfortably.
Another long range strike late into the first half, this time it was Bruno Fernandes again but Areola collected the ball simply.
As the half was coming to an end, two quickfire attacks from Fulham were cleared easily by McTominay. Soon after, Luke Shaw took an inspiring trip down the pitch with very little competition, although the full back failed to hit the target.
A first half that proved to not be too labouring for United, who were playing comfortably with little resistance from a Fulham side whose attacks appeared sparse in the half. Following a half of little action, Ole’s Reds went into the dressing room with a 1-0 lead thanks to the spectacular goal from Edinson Cavani.
Half Time – Manchester United 1-0 Fulham
Both sides remained unchanged as they returned to pitch for the second half. Fulham looked intent on getting back into the game, and this was visible with their increased urgency from the whistle.
A significant burst of pace from McTominay motivated an attack from the middle of the park for United, although a worried Fulham resorted to fouling the Scotsman, awarding United a free kick. The free kick from Fernandes ended up just shy of the post.
Fulham were inviting the pressure early in the second half, and United were not shy in piling it on.
Another free kick to the Red Devils allowed Fernandes to drift an inviting ball into the box. Mason Greenwood got off the shot, and despite being called offside, Areola was content with the save.
The common sight of Greenwood cutting onto that left foot brought about a corner for United as his shot was deflected away.
Ademola Lookman warned United that they were not sailing with the three points, giving David De Gea an opportunity to come into the game. A sumptuous double save from the Spaniard ensured United kept their lead.
United’s first change of the night saw Marcus Rashford keep up his record of playing in every Premier League game this season. His introduction saw the end of McTominay’s night.
Rashford’s first influence on the game was a mesmerizing bit of skill that we are used to seeing from the forward, which flustered Fulham defender Andersen into giving United yet another free kick.
As United looked to build on their momentum, a decent sequence of play saw Greenwood one-on-one with the keeper, who made an easy save with a badly placed shot. Fernandes followed with a wild shot into the stands.
Despite Fulham appearing to be out of the scoring in the game, an open Bobby Reid played in a sweet cross onto the head of Joe Bryan, who headed home past De Gea, who had very little chance of saving the header.
A lavish bit of footwork on the edge of the box, opened up Bruno Fernandes for a chance to push United back into the lead and Areola was happy with yet another easy save.
Looking to find their way again, United subbed out youth for youth, bringing on Amad for Mason Greenwood.
The scorer of an outstanding goal, Edinson Cavani had his night come to an early end, with Donny Van de Beek earning some minutes to see out the game and try to conjure three points.
Shaw was booked for an unnecessary foul in the midfield with only a few minutes left in the game.
In spite of a Fulham late equaliser, United failed to fight back in their usual fashion of scoring late winners. A disappointing night for the fans who saw their team struggle to capitalise on an already relegated Fulham team and ultimately lose out on three points.
A resilient Fulham held off United and the few positives to come out of the game include a wonder strike for Edinson Cavani in front of Old Trafford fans.
United will look to find their form as they soon face their first final in recent years against Villareal next Thursday.
Full Time – Manchester United 1-1 Fulham
Originally published for The United Stand.
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