Monday Fulham Stuff - 21/09/26...

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Results

Sunday 20/09
Bournemouth	0-1	Liverpool
Leeds	0-0	Palace
Man City	5-3	Sunderland
Fulham	1-1	Man Utd
Martínez (og)

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Fulham 1-1 Manchester United
Matheus Cunha's deflected strike rescued a point for Manchester United late on to deny Fulham a first Premier League win of the season.

Lisandro Martinez's bizarre own goal at Craven Cottage had looked set to condemn the visitors to a third consecutive defeat.

However, with just a minute of the 90 remaining, Cunha's shot from 20 yards took a wicked deflection off Fulham centre-back David Affengruber, wrongfooted goalkeeper Bernd Leno and found the corner of the net.

It was particularly harsh on Leno, who had made a number of big saves as United pushed for a leveller.

Michael Carrick's side at least avoid a third loss in a week, but head into the international break in 12th place, having taken just five points from their first five games, while Fulham are 19th on two points.

After an even start, United gradually looked to be taking control of an engaging first half with Bruno Fernandes inches away from an opener when his shot came back off the post from Cunha's cutback.

But that scare seemed to wake Fulham up, and for the next 10 minutes it felt like a different game with the sides taking turns to pour forward and chances at both ends, Josh King and Oscar Bobb coming close for the hosts while Cunha's long-range effort was deflected and looped over Leno before coming back off the post.

United forward Marcus Rashford volleyed a great chance over late in the half but the game stayed goalless.

After a turgid start to the second half, the game was jolted into life when United goalkeeper Senne Lammens made a mess of Calvin Bassey's low shot before Martinez's poor touch sent the ball into his own net with the Belgian scrambling.

From there it was all United, with Leno at full stretch to deny Bryan Mbeumo and Cunha as Alvaro Arbeloa's side tried to cling on.

But eventually the goal, that United's response deserved, arrived to leave both teams a little disappointed to end the day with just a point.

United analysis: Late goal eases pressure on Carrick
It is too early in the season for Carrick's position to be under serious threat.

But after back-to-back home defeats and, crucially, the manner of them - losing a Manchester derby having played 10 men for the majority and surrendering a two-goal lead to exit the Carabao Cup - a third league loss in five would have invited plenty of unwanted scrutiny on the Englishman.

With a three-week international break to come, there will be no escaping a certain amount of criticism and it is a long time to wait before United can attempt to start putting things right on the pitch.

But without Cunha's somewhat fortuitous goal, it would have been a lot worse.

Overall, United were good value for a point and might even argue snatching all three would not have been unwarranted given their strong finish.

It is the 63 minutes leading up to the Fulham goal that others will focus on, though, in particular the start of the second half in which they allowed the game to drift prior to the horrendous own goal.

Lammens and Martinez will be grateful to Cunha that it did not prove the game's decisive moment.

Carrick can now regroup and plan for a crucial stage of the season, starting against Tottenham on 10 October, knowing that if results do not pick up, it could be a defining run of his tenure.

Fulham analysis: Hosts winless but showing signs of growth
Following three consecutive losses to start the season, Fulham might not have been thrilled to see a trip to Anfield and the visit of Manchester United as their next fixtures.

But they could yet prove two of the most important games of Alvaro Arbeloa's reign.

Two points gained, a feeling that with a little more luck they could have won either, and more than enough in the performances to see what the Spaniard wants from his side.

As at Liverpool last weekend, there was some eye-catching football on show from Fulham, playing out from the back and going smoothly from one end to the other in a flash.

The exciting Josh King, still just 19, will rightly be praised for his showing but perhaps the key for the west Londoners will be the vastly underrated Alex Iwobi.

The former Arsenal and Everton midfielder is 30, and has matured into an incredibly smart, if unglamourous player.

Playing from the left, he is responsible for conducting so many of Fulham's attacks and more often than not his decision is the right one as shown by his game-high five chances created, all without misplacing a pass.

With Leno in fine form, perhaps the one thing Arbeloa's team most need now is new striker Gonzalo Garcia to find his feet - and, more importantly, the net.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cqvgy1vzey9rt

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Post-Man Utd Press Conference
Álvaro Arbeloa expressed his mixed emotions after Fulham were held to a draw by Manchester United at Craven Cottage.

The Whites looked to be heading for victory after an own goal put them ahead, but a late deflected strike from Matheus Cunha meant Fulham were left waiting for their first Premier League win of the season.

"I'm very upset with the result because we were so close, and the way that we conceded the goal at the end of the game is really frustrating," the Head Coach explained.

"But we need to continue. We knew that this month was going to be hard against top teams—Liverpool away, Sunderland away, Manchester United, Chelsea at home. So I think we are improving game by game.

"My players are doing a great job. They did really well against a tough team like Man United. We knew also that they were under pressure, that they needed the victory, so I think we did so well, and the victory was so close."

It took an hour for the deadlock to be broken, but the Whites could have taken the lead much earlier after creating a number of first-half chances.

"We had a top team with really top players in front of us, and I think they are playing better than people are saying. But we did really well, and also when we had the ball, we created so many chances that we could have scored more goals.

"But at the end, I think we performed so well. We had a good game, and I think we are improving. And if we play in that way, I think the victories will come."

Fulham have arguably deserved more than the two points they have accrued from their opening five league games, with the first international break of the campaign providing Arbeloa with an opportunity to reflect.

"Now we have three weeks where my players are out, but it's the same for every team. When they are back, we will be back working and continue improving.

"I'm so proud of my players. I know that we have only two points, but in the long term, when you are playing in this way, I think you will get what you deserve."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/september/20/post-man-utd-press-conference/

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Liverpool, Manchester City, Fulham, Tottenham in transfer tussle to sign Jon Aramburu
Liverpool, Manchester City, Fulham, and Tottenham are all set to battle it out for Real Sociedad defensive mainstay Jon Aramburu.

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool, Manchester City, Fulham, and Tottenham Hotspur are among several Premier League clubs monitoring Jon Aramburu, the Real Sociedad defender emerging as one of the most sought-after full-backs in La Liga.

Liverpool and Manchester City are particularly interested in the Venezuelan international, with the Merseyside club's scouts having delivered highly positive assessments of Aramburu after evaluating his performances.

The 24-year-old has developed into an important player for Real Sociedad and is regarded as one of the more impressive full-backs in La Liga. He is primarily a defence-first player and has earned praise for his ability in one-on-one situations, while also possessing enough attacking quality to contribute further forward.

His versatility is a major attraction. Aramburu can operate at both right-back and left-back, giving potential suitors additional flexibility when managing their squads. The South American full-back enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign, featuring in 42 matches for La Real, and he has maintained his importance this season, starting all six of the club's league matches so far.

Why do Premier League clubs want Aramburu?
Manchester City are also understood to have been impressed by Jon Aramburu and have carried out checks as they continue to assess options at right-back. Enzo Maresca's side explored several possibilities during the summer, including Chelsea's Malo Gusto and Newcastle United's Valentino Livramento, while Aramburu was also a part of their wishlist.

Manchester City have multiple players capable of operating at right-back but have yet to find a long-term replacement for Kyle Walker, and Aramburu's defensive reliability and ability to play on either side of the defence could make him an attractive solution.

Everton, Newcastle United, Fulham and Tottenham are also keeping tabs on the defender, adding further competition to the race. Fulham view Aramburu as a long-term option at right-back, particularly with Kenny Tete and Timothy Castagne both now 30 years old.

Aramburu's arrival would give Alvaro Arbeloa a younger option while securing sustained depth at the position. Tottenham, meanwhile, could consider Aramburu as a potential replacement for Djed Spence following his departure.

The 24-year-old is understood to be valued at around £50 million, meaning any interested club would need to make a significant financial commitment. With Liverpool, Manchester City, Fulham, and Tottenham all monitoring the defender, competition for his signature is intensifying.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/09/20/liverpool-manchester-city-fulham-tottenham-in-transfer-tussle-to-sign-jon-aramburu/

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Fulham 1-1 Manchester United: Matheus Cunha rescues point after uninspired performance
Frustration compounds as Red Devils head into international break winless in three

A comical own goal by Lisandro Martinez saw Manchester United fail to win for a third Premier League game in a row as they drew 1-1 with Fulham at Craven Cottage.

It was a lethargic, muted display from Michael Carrick's side, who will spend the international break in the bottom half of the Premier League table, though they were spared from making it three losses in a week by Matheus Cunha's late deflected goal.

Their malaise was summed up by the surreal nature of the goal they gifted Fulham.

It went down against Martinez's name but the blame was shared with his goalkeeper, a botched effort by Senne Lammens to shovel away Calvin Bassey's shot with his legs rather than his gloves, then an equally inexplicable and muddled attempt at keeping the defender's pass back to him out of his net.

Cunha too had been at fault, crumpling into a heap in midfield and allowing Bassey to sprint the ball away, though the Brazilian would redeem himself, rescuing his side in the 89th minute with a shot that deflected heavily off David Affengruber.

There could be little arguing United deserved anything more than they got, indeed Fulham ought to have given Alvaro Arbeloa his first Premier League win.

There was plenty here to offer the Spaniard encouragement. Early on, Antonee Robinson moved the ball inside to Gonzalo Garcia who shot wide in search of his second Premier League goal. Martinez hit a thunderous effort from range that needed turning away at full-stretch by Bernd Leno.

The game had been played at a sedentary, almost pre-season pace but burst suddenly into life midway through the half.

United came within inches of going ahead when Cunha got the better of Affengruber near the byline and cut back for Bruno Fernandes to roll a shot against a post.

Lammens, prior to his second-half howler, made three saves in quick succession, the best of them a smart block from Sander Berge. Oscar Bobb then dragged wide from a good position before Leno was needed again to tip away Cunha's awkward deflected effort.

The United goalkeeper had a perplexing afternoon. At times he was keeping his team in it, sticking out a boot to divert Josh King's low shot behind, then later racing from goal to smother as Alex Iwobi went through.

A lovely turn and cross by Cunha found Marcus Rashford, arguably still not looking at ease back at United, who leaned back and leathered his effort into the Fulham supporters behind the goal.

United got themselves into a horrible mess for Fulham's goal. Cunha made a feeble attempt to keep the ball from Bassey, who put the Brazilian on the floor and raced into the box. His shot was tame and straight at Lammens who made the strange decision to bounce away with his thigh, then could not recover as Martinez's pass back to him squirmed into the corner.

Bryan Mbeumo was denied by a flying save from Leno, who also kept out Cunha's curling effort as it bent towards the bottom corner.

Fulham were almost there, then Cunha's shot span cruelly off Affengruber and in past the stranded Leno.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-man-utd-cunha-result-premier-league-b1297692.html

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Late Man Utd equaliser denies Fulham first league win under Arbeloa
An 89th-minute Manchester United equaliser at Craven Cottage left Fulham still waiting for their first Premier League win under boss Alvaro Arbeloa.

Lisandro Martínez's comical own goal looked like giving the Whites three much-needed points.

But when defender David Affengruber stretched to try to block Matheus Cunha's low shot from the edge of the penalty area, he deflected the ball past a wrong-footed Bernd Leno.

The breakthrough came on 63 minutes, when Calvin Bassey won possession off Cunha and fired a shot that was parried by keeper Senne Lammens, who then failed to react quickly enough to keep the ball out of his net after it had rebounded off Martinez.

In a lively spell during the first half, United almost went ahead when Cunha beat Affengruber on the right and pulled the ball back for Bruno Fernandes, who fired against the post.

Fulham responded with three chances in quick succession. Josh King side-footed an effort straight at Lammens after being found by Alex Iwobi's cross, and Lammens then saved a low strike from Sander Berge, before Oscar Bobb dragged a shot wide.

The second half was subdued in comparison before Fulham went ahead, and their lead was kept intact by keeper Leno producing a fine save to deny former Brentford man Bryan Mbeumo.

But the cruel deflection off Affengruber left Leno with no chance – and left Fulham second from bottom of the table going into the international break.
Fulham: Leno, Castagne, Affengruber, Bassey, Robinson, Berge, Charles, King (Andersen 80), Bobb (Kevin 71), Garcia (Muniz 80), Iwobi (Palacios 71).
Subs not used: Lecomte, Sessegnon, Larsson, Angel, Smith Rowe.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-v-man-utd-final-report

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Fulham suffer late agony against Man United yet again as they are deprived of a rare home win against Red Devils
Premier League

Fulham (0) 1 Martinez og 63

Manchester United (0) 1 Cunha 89

They were so close to ending a 17-year wait for a home win against pesky United. But as in three of the previous four seasons Fulham were left beside themselves with frustration after conceding a late, late goal.

At least this time it did not mean defeat, as it usually does, but the Whites really could have done with a first win of the campaign heading into the lengthy international break. As it is, they must try to look at the positives as new boss Alvaro Arbeloa tries to get to grips with his new challenge.

At least the point is good enough to get them off the bottom of the Premier League table, at Tottenham's expense.

Games against the Manchester clubs really have been fixtures from hell for the Whites - and they have come to dread the sight of both City and United at Craven Cottage.

Last year's 1-1 draw with United at least stopped the rot after eight successive home defeats to them - games which featured the added agony of a succession of late winners for the visitors in 2022 (Alejandro Garnacho), 2023 (Bruno Fernandes) and 2025 (Lisandro Martinez).

The record is two draws and eight defeats in the last 10 meetings at the Cottage - the last win coming back in December 2009, when the Europa League finalists in waiting won 3-0 with goals from Danny, Murphy Bobby Zamora and Damien Duff.

That win is only one of two at home to United since 1966. A total of 26 games, including a couple of cup ties that also went the way of the men from Old Trafford. The record has not been vastly improved after this one.

Throw in the eight home defeats in a row to Man City - 14 in succession by the Thames without winning - and Whites fans could be forgiven for wanting to find something else to do on those days that either of the Manchester clubs are at the Cottage.

Fulham may not enjoy games against United here much but they did their best to alter the script during a first half in which they created plenty of discomfort for United, despite needing some good fortune to stay on level terms.

Both Bruno Fernandes and Mateus Cunha hit the woodwork after United's most dangerous moves - the former after Cunha had wriggled to the byline past David Affengruber to leave the goal gaping. The latter hit the other post with a deflected shot that had Bernd Leno beaten. Leno also did well to tip away a Lisandro Martinez effort.

But there was encouragement aplenty for Arbeloa's men in the way they made chances for themselves.

Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi combined beautifully to set up Josh King for a half-volley attempt at the far post. Sander Berge forced Senne Lammens into a low save and Oscar Bobb fired wide - he should have done better - after more good work from the busy Iwobi King was also only denied by the outstretched right boot of United's keeper.

The hope of pulling off an all-too-rare win against United got a shot in the arm just past the hour when the Whites stole into the lead, and it owed everything to Bassey's determination to win the ball off Cunha.

The Fulham skipper strode on after outmuscling the Brazilian and fired low at Lammens, who palmed it out into the the path of Martinez, where the Argentinian defender could only stab it clumsily into this own net,

United had been pedestrian but now finally realised they needed an injection of pace and urgency.

Bryan Mbeumo forced Leno into a fine save, as did Cunha, who wriggled around Berge to send in a curling low shot which was heading inside the post until Leno got a touch.

Were the Whites guilty of sitting back too much to try and see it out? Arbeloa brought on Joachim Andersen for King and there was now no forward outlet. Pressure was invited and they got punished.

With a minute or so of normal time remaining, Cunha let fly from outside the box full of retreating white shirts and the ball deflected off Affengruber, totally wrong-footing Leno and finding the net.

Whites: (4-2-3-1) Leno - Castagne, Affengruber, Bassey, Robinson - Berge (Larsson 77), Charles - Bobb (Kevin 70), King (Andersen 80), Iwobi  (Palacios 70)- Garcia (Muniz 80)

United: (4-2-3-1) Lammens - Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw (Dorgu 84) - Tielemans, Mainoo (Mount 80) - Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford (Zirkzee 77) - Cunha

Attendance: 27,563



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/fulham-v-man-united

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Last-minute Cunha goal saves Man Utd from another defeat - who rated highest at Fulham?
Matheus Cunha's deflected last-minute equaliser spared Manchester United more misery after Lisandro Martinez's own goal had threatened to give Fulham victory at Craven Cottage.

Here's how I rated the players and you can see how you scored them below.

Fulham
Bernd Leno: On his toes to make an early save from Lisandro Martinez and scrambling when Matheus Cunha's effort looped on to a post. Denied Bryan Mbeumo with full-length save. 7

Timothy Castagne: Booked for bringing Marcus Rashford down as Manchester United broke in the second half. 6

David Affengruber: Excellent defence-splitting pass to release Josh King, but he couldn't finish. Exceptionally fortunate to escape after being outwitted by Cunha close to the goalline but stepped in to take the ball off Mbeumo as he looked to counter. 7

Calvin Bassey: Not the easiest game positionally as Manchester United played without an orthodox centre-forward. Got forward to create Fulham's goal. 7

Antonee Robinson: Pushed into advanced areas in the inside forward position, which caused the visitors a defensive issue. 7

Sander Berge (Off, Larsson 76): Shot from the edge of the area turned away by Senne Lammens. 7

Shea Charles: Midfield partnership with Berge was key in protecting the Fulham defence when the visitors had extended spells of possession around the home area. Passing let him down on occasion. 6

Oscar Bobb (off Kevin, 70): Rolled an effort just wide of the post and probably should have done better. 6

Josh King (off Andersen, 79): Always looking to get on the ball and threaten. Took a good save from Lammens to deny him at the far post and his shot across goal was going in without the visitors' keeper kicking it away. Blotted his copybook by getting booked for diving. 8

Alex Iwobi (off Palacios, 70): Also tried to exploit the inside left channel when Fulham went forward. Low cross almost created a chance for Gonzalo Garcia and another deep one did for King. 7

Gonzalo Garcia (off Muniz, 79): Half a stride away from having a tap-in from an Iwobi cross from the left. 6

Subs:

Palacios (on 70, Iwobi): Kept Fulham ticking over. 6

Kevin (on 70, Bobb): Settled in well. 6

Larsson (on 76, Berge): 6

Muniz (on 79, Garcia): 6

Andersen (on 79, King): 6

Subs not used: Lecomte, Manuel Angel, Sessegnon, Smith Rowe.

Manchester United
Senne Lammens: Key first-half saves to keep Manchester United level and came out bravely at Iwobi's feet to prevent another Fulham chance. Distribution could have been better and he didn't cover himself in glory with the Fulham goal. 6

Diogo Dalot: Tidy spin and dash into space to create a chance for Rashford but had too much work to do defensively as he lacked cover far too often. 6

Harry Maguire: Used his experience to draw a foul out of King as United tried to deal with Fulham pressure near their own goal. 7

Lisandro Martinez: Well-struck half-volley drew an excellent save out of Leno. He did eventually find the net - at the wrong end. 5

Luke Shaw (off Dorgu, 83): Returned from a three-match absence. Carrick's side are far more balanced when he is there. 7

Youri Tielemans: Wasted an excellent opportunity when he got no power behind his effort as he ran on to Rashford's short pass. 5

Kobbie Mainoo (off 79, Mount): Usual tidy game in possession without making the key passes. Never looks flustered. 7

Bryan Mbeumo: A lot of strong runs but, like many Man Utd forwards, nowhere near his best. Tough ask, but did he give Dalot enough defensive support? 6

Bruno Fernandes: Low shot against the post from Cunha cut-back but once more not at last season's levels. 6

Marcus Rashford (off 76, Zirkzee): Tried to set up Tielemans with a short pass but the Belgian couldn't finish. An attempt of his own before the break was saved by Leno and another, better opportunity flew way over the bar. 6

Matheus Cunha: Again started in the number nine role he doesn't seem suited to but created an excellent opportunity for Fernandes. Deflected shot hit the post and spun wide. Probably the visitors' most dangerous forward. 7

Subs:

Zirkzee (on 76, Rashford): 6

Mount (on 79, Mainoo): 6

Dorgu (on 83, Shaw): 7

Subs not used: Darlow, Mazraoui, Mount, Yoro, Andrey Santos, Baleba, Lacey.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cxddvp49gg1ro

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Alvaro Arbeloa accuses officials of not wanting Manchester United to lose after late controversy in draw at Fulham
Man Utd rescued a late 1-1 draw at Fulham after Matheus Cunha's deflected equaliser; Alvaro Arbeloa felt Harry Maguire winning a free-kick 35 seconds before the equaliser for a 'foul' by Cesar Palacios was soft; Arbeloa felt the refs were kinder to United after the Manchester derby drama

Alvaro Arbeloa has accused the referees of not wanting Manchester United to lose against Fulham because of the injustice Michael Carrick's side faced in the Manchester derby last weekend.

United rescued a 1-1 draw after Matheus Cunha scored a deflected 89th-minute equaliser - but Fulham head coach Arbeloa was furious that, 35 seconds before the goal, United were given a free-kick for a foul on Harry Maguire on the halfway line.

Arbeloa felt the free-kick for Cesar Palacios' foul on Maguire was soft and claimed referee Michael Oliver and his team of officials gave "all fouls" to United - because of the "error in judgement" by the officials who incorrectly awarded Erling Haaland's Manchester derby winner at Old Trafford last weekend.

"All fouls for them," Arbeloa told Sky Sports. "You can see before they scored, the foul against Maguire, he's a guy who is 100 kilos. Every decision was for them.

"And I knew. I knew after the game against Man City that they [would not] let Manchester United lose here. We deserved a little bit more.

"We were so close. So, so close. We were a little bit unlucky again. We knew it would be difficult against this big team.

"Also we knew what happened last week. We have seen what the referees have been doing all the match so it was a difficult game. And we were unlucky."

In his press conference, Arbeloa appeared to row back on his comments a little bit - but still said he "was not really happy".

"My English is not so good," he said. "Maybe I explain myself so bad and I prefer not to say anything about the referees because you never know.

"When you say something that you don't have to say, it's better to stay calm, focus on the performance of my team and focus on the next game.

"I'm not really happy. Like I said, I need to be focused and put my energy in all the things that I have to improve.

"[Maguire] is a very big guy and maybe it wasn't a foul. But it's ok. Like I said, I prefer to analyse the game - players, systems and it's the best for win.

"You know when you draw a game like that, maybe you're a little bit frustrated."

Is it a foul? Young and Saha analyse the decision
Analysing the Maguire foul on Super Sunday, former Manchester United defender Ashley Young told Sky Sports: "It's definitely a foul. Palacios isn't looking at the ball, he's straight into Maguire's back.

"I know he [Arbeola] says Maguire is 100kg, but he's smart, he's waiting for the foul to be committed."

Asked if it was a foul, former Fulham and Manchester United forward Louis Saha added: "It is.

"It might be soft, but that's where some players have experience, they use their body in the right way. In his position, he [Maguire] felt like he couldn't take the control so it was a clever piece of work from Maguire."

Should Man Utd have been given penalty for Bassey handball?
Another talking point came just before United's equaliser - when Fulham defender Calvin Bassey was accused of handball after Lisandro Martinez's ball forward into the penalty area.

VAR looked at the decision but agreed with the assistant referee's view that Bassey had his arm close to his body - even though it struck his hand.

"He did put his hand up," said Gary Neville on co-commentary. "The fact that the hand is close to the body might save him."

Analysing the decision, Saha said: "Its kind of a 50:50, you don't know now with the rules. It hits his hand. The natural instinct you have is to protect your face because you know you're going to be hit.

"It's different rules every weekend, we don't understand it. Some will blow, some will go on."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/13590215/alvaro-arbeloa-accuses-officials-of-not-wanting-manchester-united-to-lose-after-late-controversy-in-draw-at-fulham

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'He made three top saves' – Michael Carrick blames Bernd Leno heroics for Manchester United failing to beat Fulham
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick believes only the heroics of Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno prevented his side from securing a much-needed victory in a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage. The Red Devils were forced to settle for a point after a dramatic late equaliser, leaving them in the bottom half of the table heading into the international break.

Leno stands tall against United pressure
Carrick cut a frustrated figure following his side's 1-1 draw with Fulham, pointing directly to Leno as the primary reason the visitors failed to take all three points. The result leaves Manchester United with just five points from their opening five Premier League matches - matching their joint-lowest tally at this stage of a season, previously recorded in 2014-15.

Reflecting on the match, Carrick felt his side had done enough to take all three points despite the setback. 'I thought we should have won the game, I thought we created enough to win the game,' he told Sky Sports.

Pointing directly to the performance of Fulham's goalkeeper, Carrick added: 'I think probably their goalkeeper really. The saves that he made today - he has probably made three top saves. We have hit the post twice and had a load of opportunities. Of course we are not happy about not winning the game, but there are things to take from it for sure.'

A bizarre setback at Craven Cottage
The afternoon took a turn for the worse for United when a chaotic sequence in their own penalty area resulted in a nightmare opener for Fulham. Lisandro Martinez inadvertently bundled the ball into his own net after goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to deal cleanly with a low effort from Calvin Bassey.

Carrick remained stoic about the nature of the goal conceded, acknowledging that such incidents are often unavoidable in the heat of a Premier League battle. 'The goal we did concede is one of them goals. The boys could have thought it is one of those days, but I really like the reaction. We nearly won it in the end. We came to get the win of course, the way it panned out and the way we finished is the positive we take from it,' he told Sky Sports.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the United boss also suggested his side were unfortunate not to be awarded a free kick in the build-up to Fulham's opener. 'I think it was maybe a foul on Matheus [Cunha] first, there's an argument for that. The shot has come through someone and it has happened quite quickly. Quite a few moments like that have been going against us. Thankfully we have still taken something small from the game.'

Cunha rescues a late point
As the clock ticked toward the 90th minute, United's relentless pressure finally paid dividends through Matheus Cunha. The attacker unleashed a strike from 20 yards that took a significant deflection off Fulham defender David Affengruber, leaving the previously unbeatable Leno with no chance as the ball settled into the corner.

Despite suggestions that his team lacked urgency during certain phases of the match, Carrick defended his players' approach and energy levels. When asked if the team had been passive, he responded: 'I didn't think we were. Did you think we were? Football is a difficult game. We controlled a lot of the first half. It's the Premier League and you will have spells where you don't have it all your own way. To expect total dominance for the whole game, I don't think anyone gets that in this league.'

Lessons for the international break
The result leaves Manchester United in 12th position with just five points from their opening five fixtures, a start that falls well below the expectations at Old Trafford. However, Carrick insists there are structural positives to build upon as the domestic season pauses for the international window.

Concluding his assessment of the performance, Carrick emphasised that the squad is still in a developmental phase under his guidance. The manager stated: 'I think we can take a lot from today. I think we can learn a lot as well. We can be better at certain things, that is pretty clear, but there were some good signs today.'



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/michael-carrick-blames-bernd-leno-man-utd-fulham/bltfd1f2f7abe89064e?utm_id=fa3iys5y8hyz9ezk&utm_source_platform=newsnow

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Man United and Fulham succumb to The Fear as Craven Cottage six-pointer ends all square
Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.

And afeared Man United's scarcely deserved 1-1 draw at timid, tepid Fulham was a game stalked by fear. The contrast with United's cross-city rivals is stark; we may worry about City being just a bit too carefree, but it's so much better than... whatever this sh*t is.

Both teams seemed vaguely aware that the other was there for the taking today. Both, though, were more powerfully aware that they themselves were. The fear of what might happen to them outweighed for both the desire to explore what they themselves might be able to do to such visibly frit opposition.

The outcome was a game of desperately low quality played at a funereal pace, lest an error creep in. It was destined for a goalless draw that both sides deserved to lose to a late sickener just for their sheer lack of will.

It was a game where a goal was never going to be scored, but one could always happen due to the whims of an uncaring universe. And also incompetence. Let's not forget that.

United produced just enough incompetence to invite calamity. Senne Lammens' inexplicable decision to save Calvin Bassey's 18-yard effort with his feet was followed by a dreadful touch from Lisandro Martinez under no pressure, which Lammens somehow failed to keep out.

It cannot be stressed enough that from the moment the ball left Bassey's boot, no Fulham player intervened in any way to a situation of chaos entirely of United's own manufacture.

You always know an own goal is a good one when you find yourself wondering who it should actually be credited to. Lammens got the last, pitiful, futile touch. Logic therefore tells you he should get the 'credit'. Vibes say it's Martinez's. Both were hugely, pointlessly and unnecessarily at fault.

That goal, as goals are wont to do, changed the game. United's response was actually decent, making a mockery of the dread with which they approached the first hour against a team who came into this game with a single point from their opening four games of the season, including a pair of 3-2 defeats here that highlighted their many vulnerabilities.

Bernd Leno had to be at his best diving to his right and left to keep Fulham's lead intact. Just as it seemed they had done enough to secure all three points, United found their equaliser.

It having by now been clearly established that the only routes to goal here were rank incompetence or sheer dumb luck, United opted for the latter. The unpassable Leno was completely undone as a wicked Joachim Andersen sent a tame Matheus Cunha effort spinning away from him to roll forlornly into the goal.

Neither side could find a late winner, because of course they couldn't.

In a drab game between two struggling sides, the only other source of entertainment across the 90 minutes was an understandably rattled Gary Neville desperately trying to convince himself there might be a case for United being awarded a penalty for a ball hammered into Bassey's arms from a gnat's **** hair away, and Peter Drury going full Home Alone when describing a tame, easily saved effort on goal from Fulham substitute Kevin.

A point apiece, and the unconvincing manner in which each team claimed it, doesn't really do a great deal for either side's worrying start to the season. The pressure will ease little on either Michael Carrick or Alvaro Arbeloa, who came into the weekend first and second in the Premier League Sack Race, as a result of this spectacle.

Whether either side is in full cracked-badge crisis is perhaps still too early to say, but certainly neither made a compelling move away from that precipice ahead of an interminable international break.

Waiting on the other side of that for United are Spurs. Carrick (if indeed he is still manager by then) simply cannot allow his side to be so timid again in a fixture that has so many of the same qualities as this one, just with inevitably greater attention.

In keeping with the long-settled truth that whatever happens in football the joke is somehow always on Spurs, this miserable game with its two miserable performances produced a result that sends silly old Tottenham very deservedly to the foot of the Premier League table, where they will remain for at least the next three weeks and very probably longer.

The only consolation for Roberto De Zerbi and co is that, really, any time two of your relegation rivals share the points it can't be all bad.



https://www.football365.com/news/man-united-fulham-fear-premier-league-relegation-stalemate

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'They would not let Manchester United lose': Fulham boss decries refereeing decisions after Premier League stalemate
Alvaro Arbeloa said that 'every decision' went in favour of the visitors as they fought back to earn a fortunate 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage

Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has suggested that Manchester United received favourable treatment in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage because of the VAR controversy over Erling Haaland's winner in the Manchester derby.

Fulham went ahead in the 63rd minute after Lisandro Martinez turned into his own net, though United rescued a point late on as Matheus Cunha's effort deflected past Bernd Leno in the 89th minute.

Both sides wasted chances in a game that was sluggish at times, though there were no particularly controversial calls made by either referee Peter Bankes or the VAR team.

Nevertheless, Arbeloa complained about the refereeing, including a decision to award Harry Maguire a free-kick near halfway just 35 seconds before the equalising goal.

"We were so close. So, so close. We were a little bit unlucky again. We knew it would be difficult against this big team. Also, we knew what happened last week," said Arbeloa after the full-time whistle.

"We have seen what the referee have been doing in all the matches, so it was a difficult game. And we were unlucky.

"You can see before they scored, the foul against Maguire; it's a guy who is 100 kilos. Every decision was for them and I knew after the game against Man City that they [would not] let Manchester United lose here," he said.

Arbeloa was referring to last week's incident in the Manchester derby, where Erling Haaland's winning goal was incorrectly awarded. Pro Ref later issued an apology to Manchester United, with VAR assistant Matt Donohue stood down for this weekend's games.

Sunday's draw was enough to take Fulham out of bottom spot in the Premier League, with the Cottagers climbing into 19th, above Tottenham on goal difference. Their next game comes after the three-week international break, when they will face newly promoted Ipswich at Portman Road on Saturday, 10 October.



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/alvaro-arbeloa-fulham-manchester-united-premier-league-reaction-b3053200.html

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Arbeloa 'upset' after being denied first Fulham league win
Alvaro Arbeloa spoke of his disappointment after a late Manchester United equaliser denied him his first Premier League win as Fulham boss.

Lisandro Martínez's comical own goal looked like giving the Whites three much-needed points.

But when defender David Affengruber stretched to try to block Matheus Cunha's low shot from the edge of the penalty area, he deflected the ball past a wrong-footed Bernd Leno.

Arbeloa said: "I'm upset because we were so close – very unlucky with the goal we conceded.

"It is what it is. We need to keep working and improving. We knew this month would be difficult against top teams. I think we are in a good way.

"I'm not really happy, but I need to be focused and to put my energy into all the things that I have to improve.

"I have a lot of work because I want more from my team, from my players. I think we can do even better than today.

"Just one month together, so we need to continue in this way, and I will put all my energy into my players."

There was another impressive performance by Josh King, who England boss Thomas Tuchel said this week was "very close" to a call-up for the national side.

"He is an amazing player. Really good player," said Arbeloa.

"He is very difficult to defend (against) and he is proving game by game how good he is.

"I think he has to be patient with the national team because he is so young, but I am so happy with him.

"He's been so important and will be very, very important for us through the whole season."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/arbeloa-upset-after-being-denied-first-fulham-league-win

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'Nice man' Arbeloa at peace with Fulham's start ahead of international break - but is he ruthless enough?
For plenty of Fulham fans there must have been an air of resignation about the way their team surrendered a famous victory by conceding so late against Man United.

It keeps happening at the Cottage, with three of the past four seasons being decided by late United goals to win the game.

This Sunday encounter ended in a draw, at least, and the Whites boss seemed pretty sanguine about the outcome. Rather than curse the missed opportunity to record a first win - after Matheus Cunha's deflected drive had cancelled out a Lisandro Martinez own goal - he was just grateful for the signs of competitiveness in his team.

After losing their opening three league games, they were expected to suffer even more with Liverpool and United next on the horizon but managed to draw both games to ease themselves off the bottom of the table, despite still searching for that first win.

But should Fulham's boss perhaps have shown a little more ambition against a wobbly United defence? In surrendering the initiative by withdrawing Josh King in favour of Joachim Anderson for the final 10 minutes, he arguably invited the pressure that allowed United an escape route from 1-0 down.

Shades of England v Argentina perhaps.

"We were so close and then we conceded this goal at the end of the game and it's really frustrating - but we need to continue, " Arbeloa said.

"We knew that this month was going to be hard against top teams - Liverpool away, Sunderland away, Manchester United at home - so I think we are improving game by game. My players are doing a great job.

"They did really well against a top team like Man United. We also knew that they were under pressure and needed the victory, so I think we did so well and the victory was so close.

"We have drawn with a top team who have really top players and I think they [Fulham] are playing better than before. It was difficult for us to control Bruno [Fernandes] and Cunha, but we did really well and also when we had the ball, we created so many chances and could have scored more goals.

"I think we did a good game. We are improving and if we play that way, the victories will come. I'm proud of my players. I know that we only have two points but in the long term, when you are playing in this way, I think you will get what you deserve."

He added: "I still want more from my players. I think we can do even better than today. It's been just one month together but we need to continue in this way."

Arbeloa praised King, saying: "An amazing player, a real talent - a really good player and he's very difficult to defend. He's proving game by game how good he is and I think he has to have a place in the national team. I'm so happy with him. I think he's been so important and will be very important for us all season."

It begs the question as to why he took him off when it could have taken the game to United in those final minutes.



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/nice-man-arbeloa-at-peace-with-fulham-s-start-ahead-of-international-break-but-is-he-ruthless-en

[WhiteJC]

Ex-Premier League Referee Casts Verdict On Fulham vs Man Utd Handball
Former Premier League Referee Issues Verdict on Bassey Handball In Fulham vs Man Utd

Former Premier League referee Graham Barber has delivered his verdict on the handball incident in the 1-1 draw between Fulham and Manchester United.

The Whites drew 1-1 with the Red Devils to move off the bottom of the Premier League table, as Matheus Cunha's late strike cancelled out a Lisandro Martinez own goal that looked to be sending Fulham to their first three-point haul of the season.

In an immediate statement, the Premier League Match Centre posted on social media: "The referee's call of no penalty to Manchester United for a potential handball offence by Bassey was checked and confirmed by VAR."

And a transcript of the conversation between Bankes and the VAR room was also published.

AR1: "It's close to his body - it has hit but his arm is close to his body."

REF: "On-field decision is play on."

VAR: "Arms close to his body. As seen - confirming the on-field decision to play on, exactly as described on-field."

Now, speaking exclusively to GIVEMESPORT, Barber, who spent almost a decade officiating in the top flight, said he understood why a penalty was not given.

"There are guidelines that the authorities are putting down, but it's all about interpretation and the thing for me on this is I know the intention has been taken away, but I genuinely felt the ball was very close to him, he wasn't far away, he didn't have a lot of time to react and one could potentially say he put his hands up to protect his face. It's all very, very subjective.

"One of the things I'm very keen to see from VAR is to stick to the point where they're clearing up the clear and obvious error and I think the on-field decision was right, I think we have to give more credence to the referee on the field of play, he's there for a reason, he's there because he's one of the top referees in the country and for me, I think he got it right and I think VAR were right not to step in as it would have been a very harsh penalty."



https://www.givemesport.com/premier-league-referee-verdict-bassey-handball-fulham-man-utd/

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'They don't like Man United to lose': Alvaro Arbeloa makes extraordinary referee claim after Fulham draw
Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa could face scrutiny from the FA after accusing officials of favouring Manchester United during his side's dramatic 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage.

Fulham looked on course for their first Premier League victory of the season before Matheus Cunha's 89th-minute deflected equaliser rescued a point for Manchester United.

Arbeloa was furious with the officiating and specifically pointed to a free-kick awarded to Harry Maguire just 35 seconds before United's equaliser.

Speaking to Sky Sports (quotes via The Independent), the Fulham manager said: "There were so many things for them, you can see it in the foul by Maguire. Every decision was for them."

He then made an extraordinary claim about the officials' attitude towards United following the controversial Manchester derby decision from the previous weekend.

"And I knew after the game against Manchester City that they don't like Manchester United to lose," Arbeloa said.

Could Alvaro Arbeloa be punished by the FA?
By directly questioning the integrity and impartiality of the match officials, Arbeloa has crossed a dangerous line under English Football Association guidelines.

Rule E3.1 strictly prohibits managers from implying referee bias or bringing the game into disrepute during media duties.

Arbeloa's insistence that refereeing decisions were influenced by Manchester United's controversial loss in the Manchester derby the previous week is almost certain to attract formal scrutiny.

The FA regularly issues fines and touchline bans for managers alleging systemic favouritism, meaning the Spaniard could soon face a formal charge and disciplinary sanction.

Why Arbeloa was furious with the referee
The moment came shortly before United's late equaliser.

Cesar Palacios was penalised for a challenge on Maguire near halfway, with Arbeloa questioning why the referee had awarded the free-kick.

The free-kick came only 35 seconds before Cunha's effort eventually found the net after taking a deflection.

Arbeloa believed Fulham had been on the wrong end of too many decisions throughout the match and felt his side deserved more from a game they had been leading until the closing stages.

Arbeloa references Manchester derby controversy
The Fulham manager's comments were directly linked to the previous weekend's Manchester derby controversy.

Manchester United had been denied a result against Manchester City after Erling Haaland's late goal was initially awarded despite an offside decision involving Enzo Fernandez. The officiating controversy subsequently led to an apology to United, according to reports.

Arbeloa clearly believed that incident had influenced the way Sunday's match was officiated, although that was his interpretation rather than an established fact.

Fulham ultimately had to settle for a second point of the season after Cunha's late equaliser, while Arbeloa remains without a Premier League victory since taking charge.

Arbeloa and Man United's Fergie Era reputation
Arbeloa's sharp outburst taps into a historical narrative that he knows all too well. Having spent two seasons as a defender for Liverpool between 2007 and 2009, the Spaniard played through the height of Sir Alex Ferguson's dominance at Old Trafford.

During that era, rival clubs and supporters frequently accused Manchester United of benefiting from favorable decision-making at critical moments, a phenomenon often dubbed "Fergie Time" and home-bias refereeing.

Now managing in the Premier League, Arbeloa's deep-seated frustration reveals that old rivalries and perceptions of preferential treatment remain as raw as ever.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2026/09/20/alvaro-arbeloa-fa-punishment-manchester-united-referee/