Fulham 1-1 Manchester United: Late Cunha equaliser rescues point for United

Cunha’s late deflected goal salvaged a draw for Manchester United at Craven Cottage after a comical own goal by Martinez. 

Fulham were heading towards their first league win of the season after benefiting from a bizarre mix-up between Lammens and the Argentinian.

But Cunha’s strike meant that the points were shared and spared Carrick another embarrassing defeat. 

Carrick in his post match press conference said: “I thought we did enough in the game to win the game.”

Both sides had chances in an entertaining goalless first half.

Lisandro Martinez forced Bernard Leno into action following a snap half volley in the first half.

Fernandes should have scored when he met Cunha’s pass inside the box, only to hit the post. 

Cunha then also hit the post with a deflected, long-range effort that looped past Leno. 

Fulham similarly had great opportunities before half time and King forced Lammens into several fine saves.

In a game where both sides desperately needed a result, it was strange to see such a toothless start to the second half. 

Neither team recorded a shot in the first fifteen minutes after the restart. 

Just after the hour mark, Bassey outmuscled Cunha and drove towards United’s defence.

Lammens saved his shot with his feet, only for the ball to bounce off Martinez’s leg and past the goalkeeper into his own net. 

It was a comical, calamitous own goal. 

If a goal were to sum up Carrick's side this season it would be this Martinez own goal.

United upped the ante a little after going behind, with Cunha forcing Leno into a fine save down to his right. 

Fulham capitalised on United’s attacking intent and countered effectively, with Kevin’s effort well-parried by Lammens.

It seemed that Fulham were about to clinch three points, but Cunha’s deflected goal saved a crucial point for the away side.    

Carrick needed a win at Craven Cottage to quieten the noise over whether he was capable of managing United full-time.

The draw today will only amplify those concerns as we move into the international break. 

Arbeloa, on the other hand, will be pleased that his side have moved off bottom place, but the late equaliser means that they remain in the relegation zone. 

Fulham travel to Ipswich once the Premier League returns in October, while United face another bottom-placed club, Spurs.