LONDON: Lisandro Martinez’s deflected late strike secured a crucial 1-0 win for Manchester United against Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday.
Chasing only their fourth league victory since Ruben Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag in November, United struggled in a lackluster first half at Craven Cottage, creating few chances. The visitors improved after the break, and Martinez’s long-range effort in the 78th minute, aided by a heavy deflection, delivered the win.
A vital goal-line clearance from young substitute Toby Collyer in the closing stages ensured United held on. The win moved Amorim’s side up to 12th in the table, just four points behind 10th-placed Fulham.
“I think I was lucky, but it’s an important win,” Martinez told TNT Sports. “The most important thing is the three points. We’ve suffered a lot, but this win means a lot to the fans and us. The pressure is hard, but we are here to fight.”
Amorim’s tenure in England has been challenging, with United losing six of their previous nine league games. During the first half, the team lacked creativity, and Fulham’s Emile Smith Rowe missed a good chance for the hosts. United captain Bruno Fernandes nearly broke the deadlock with a clever free-kick early in the second half, but their only shot on target—Martinez’s deflected strike—proved decisive.
Collyer’s late intervention to deny Joachim Andersen’s header and Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz missing two clear chances kept the visitors in front. Amad Diallo thought he had doubled the lead in stoppage time, but his goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.
Fulham coach Marco Silva expressed frustration after the match. “One shot on target from Man Utd – a lucky deflection. We dominated and had two or three good chances, but I don’t recall one dangerous moment from United.”
Despite the struggles, United’s eighth consecutive league win at Fulham marks an improvement, with four wins from their last five matches across all competitions.
