- Lisandro Martinez’s deflected goal gives Manchester United a 1-0 win at Fulham.
- United’s fourth Premier League win lifts them to 12th, easing relegation concerns.
- Fulham’s European hopes suffer as they remain 10th, seven points from the top six.
Lisandro Martinez’s deflected goal handed a crucial 1-0 victory to Manchester United against Fulham on Sunday, easing the pressure on manager Ruben Amorim.
In a lacklustre match that seemed destined for a goalless draw, Martinez’s long-range effort in the 78th minute deflected off Sasa Lukic and looped over goalkeeper Bernd Leno, securing United’s fourth Premier League win in 12 matches. The win lifts United to 12th in the standings.
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Amorim acknowledged that United’s best performances have come away from home, suggesting the nerves of playing in front of a home crowd at Old Trafford might be a factor. However, this victory did little to excite United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, as the team continues to struggle against clubs with smaller budgets. Despite the narrow win, it alleviated any fears of a relegation battle.
Fulham made the stronger start but lacked clinical finishing throughout the game. United goalkeeper Andre Onana, returning after an error against Brighton, was forced into early saves, particularly from Alex Iwobi. United’s first real threat came just before the hour mark when Bruno Fernandes’ clever free-kick narrowly missed the post.
Rasmus Højlund, one of five changes from Thursday’s Europa League win over Rangers, failed to end his goal drought, playing a quiet game before being substituted for Joshua Zirkzee. Fulham had few chances, with Adama Traoré’s shot being one of their rare moments of danger.
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The decisive goal came in the 78th minute when Martinez’s shot, deflected by Lukic, flew over Leno into the top corner. Fulham had a late chance to equalize, but Joachim Andersen’s free header from a corner was cleared off the line by Toby Collyer.
In stoppage time, Amad Diallo thought he had sealed a second goal for United, but a VAR review ruled his strike offside. The victory secured all three points for United, while Fulham’s defeat dashed their hopes of a European spot, leaving them seven points adrift of the top six.
