At Old Trafford, Manchester United faced a stark reminder of their vulnerabilities as Fulham secured only their second victory at the venue since 1963, thanks to Alex Iwobi’s injury-time goal.
Just four days after Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the new co-owner, expressed Manchester United’s ambition to challenge Manchester City and Liverpool for the top spot in English football, their hopes of Champions League qualification suffered a significant setback.
Despite missing striker Rasmus Hojlund due to injury, the hosts struggled to create opportunities until the dying moments of regular time when Harry Maguire appeared to salvage a point.
However, in the deep recesses of nine minutes of added time, Alex Iwobi intervened, clinching victory for Fulham. This turnaround came after Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey initially put Fulham ahead, capitalizing on a loose ball following his header from a corner, which had been blocked by his teammate Timothy Castagne.
This outcome halted a streak of 11 Premier League away games without a victory for the west London team. Before this match, only Sheffield United had a poorer record away from home in the top flight this season.
Neither the loss nor, significantly, the display, will instill confidence in anyone that United will swiftly fulfill Ratcliffe’s ambitious objectives.
