Bruno Fernandes missed a crucial first-half penalty as Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw at Fulham, with Emile Smith Rowe’s second-half equaliser cancelling out a contentious own goal that initially put the visitors ahead.
United, under early pressure after a season-opening defeat to Arsenal, looked set to claim their first Premier League win of the season after Rodrigo Muniz inadvertently turned the ball into his own net just before the hour mark. But the goal sparked controversy, with United defender Leny Yoro appearing to push Fulham centre-back Calvin Bassey in the back as he rose for the header that deflected in off Muniz.
“He is lucky to get away with that,” said Sky Sports’ Gary Neville on co-commentary, while Bassey told the broadcaster: “When the ref looks back on it, he will be disappointed.”
Penalty Miss Adds to United’s Frustrations
The drama had begun earlier in the first half when referee Chris Kavanagh, following a VAR review by Darren England, awarded United a penalty after Calvin Bassey was penalised for fouling Mason Mount at a corner. However, in the same phase of play, Luke Shaw was also seen bundling over Muniz — an incident that went unpunished.
As Fernandes stepped up to take the spot kick, he was inadvertently bumped by Kavanagh, disrupting his preparation. The United captain proceeded to blaze the penalty over the bar, aiming for the top left corner.
“It upset me because the referee didn’t apologise,” Fernandes said post-match. “That’s what triggered me in that moment, but that’s not an excuse for missing the penalty.”
Smith Rowe Salvages Point for Fulham
Fulham grew into the game after falling behind and were rewarded for their persistence when Emile Smith Rowe, recently signed from Arsenal, coolly slotted home an equaliser in the 76th minute after a flowing move down the left flank.
The result leaves Manchester United winless in their opening two Premier League fixtures, with pressure beginning to mount on new head coach Ruben Amorim.
Match Stats
- Goals:
• Fulham – Smith Rowe (76′)
• Man Utd – Muniz (own goal, 59′) - Missed Penalty: Fernandes (Man Utd, 33′)
- Referee: Chris Kavanagh
- VAR: Darren England
What’s Next?
- Fulham continue their campaign next weekend away at Brighton.
- Manchester United will return to Old Trafford, looking to bounce back against Newcastle.
