Manchester United’s turbulent start to the 2025/26 Premier League season took another hit on Sunday, as they stumbled to a 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage. A game that should have been the chance to silence doubts instead turned into another frustrating spectacle  one filled with missed chances, tactical confusion, and a Bruno Fernandes penalty blunder that left fans stunned.

How the Drama Unfolded

United entered the match desperate to bounce back after their opening-day defeat. For large spells of the first half, they controlled possession, camped in Fulham’s half, and knocked the ball around with intent. Yet the final product was glaringly absent a recurring theme in Amorim’s short tenure so far.

The breakthrough finally came in the 58th minute. A dangerous corner swung in from the right was met by young defender Leny Yoro, whose header flicked cruelly off Rodrigo Muniz and wrong-footed Fulham’s keeper. Initially celebrated as Yoro’s first goal in red, it was officially recorded as a Muniz own goal. United had their lead, but even then, there was a sense of fragility about it.

The Penalty Miss That Changed Everything

Ten minutes later, United were handed a golden opportunity to kill the game. VAR flagged a handball in the Fulham box, gifting Bruno Fernandes the chance to double the lead from the spot. But in a bizarre twist, the captain stuttered his run-up, clipped into the referee mid-stride, and proceeded to blast the penalty over the bar.

The miss sucked the life out of United’s momentum and lit a fire under Fulham. The Craven Cottage crowd roared back into life, sensing their team could still salvage something.

Fulham’s Equaliser and United’s Collapse

Their response was swift. In the 73rd minute, substitute Emile Smith Rowe, who joined Fulham in the summer, ghosted into the box and lashed home a precise volley after Alex Iwobi’s clever cross. The Cottage erupted, and suddenly United found themselves scrambling against a side brimming with renewed belief.

From then on, it was Fulham who looked the likelier to snatch a winner. Smith Rowe tested Onana with another effort, Muniz kept pressing Yoro and Martínez, and United’s midfield repeatedly surrendered control.

Tactical and Mental Fragility Exposed

The draw leaves serious question marks hanging over Amorim’s tactical system. United dominated possession (64%) but looked toothless in attack, registering just three shots on target. New signings have yet to settle, and the lack of fluidity between midfield and forward lines is glaring.

Fulham, meanwhile, looked compact, disciplined, and opportunistic. Marco Silva’s men may not boast the firepower of the league’s elite, but they are well-drilled and unafraid to press high when chances arise. Their two opening draws show resilience  something United painfully lack.

League Table Reality Check

Manchester United: 16th, with 1 point from 2 games  one of their worst league starts in recent memory.

Fulham: 13th, unbeaten so far, and quietly punching above expectations.

For a club that ended last season with silverware, United’s start to the new campaign has alarm bells ringing.

Fan Reactions: Frustration Boils Over

Online, United supporters didn’t hold back:

Some blamed Bruno for his “embarrassing penalty routine”, calling it “unprofessional” and “selfish.”

Others pointed the finger at Amorim, questioning his rigid tactics and lack of urgency in substitutions.

A vocal section even raised the dreaded word: crisis.

Fulham fans, on the other hand, hailed Smith Rowe as an instant cult hero, praising his sharpness and energy off the bench.

What This Means Going Forward

For United: A serious regroup is needed. With tougher fixtures looming, Amorim’s honeymoon period is over. Questions about leadership, attacking patterns, and Fernandes’ captaincy will dominate headlines this week.

For Fulham: Momentum is quietly building. Two points against bigger opponents show that Marco Silva’s steady hand is guiding this squad toward another solid mid-table campaign.

The Bigger Picture

This wasn’t just a draw. It was a reminder that United remain a team in transition, a club still haunted by inconsistency despite the big names in their dressing room. Fulham, meanwhile, continue to show the Premier League why resilience and teamwork often matter more than expensive signings.