Fulham 0-1 Manchester United: Martinez’s Strike Secures Hard-Fought Win
Craven Cottage, January 26, 2025
Manchester United bounced back from their recent Premier League defeat with a gritty 1-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage, thanks to a deflected second-half goal from Lisandro Martinez. The win marks United’s eighth consecutive triumph at this ground, extending a streak that dates back to December 2011.
Martinez’s strike in the 78th minute proved to be the difference in a tense encounter, where neither side carved out many clear-cut chances. The three points lift Ruben Amorim’s side to 12th in the league table as they now turn their focus to the UEFA Europa League, with an upcoming trip to Romania to face FCSB.
First Half – United Control, But Fulham Threaten
United started well in possession but found themselves tested early by Fulham’s quick transitions. Alex Iwobi registered the first meaningful effort of the game, driving forward before cutting onto his left foot and firing a low shot towards the bottom-right corner, which Andre Onana dealt with comfortably.
Raul Jimenez then found a way past Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte, but Matthijs de Ligt was on hand to hook the ball away before Iwobi could capitalize. De Ligt and Martinez also combined well to deny Emile Smith-Rowe space in a dangerous position.
On the attacking end, United’s best moments came down the left flank, where Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui frequently joined Alejandro Garnacho to create an overload. The Argentine winger was particularly lively, using his quick feet to break free and set up Mazraoui for a cross that was eventually cleared by Antonee Robinson.
Fulham, meanwhile, looked to Jimenez for attacking inspiration, but the Mexican forward saw two efforts go wide, one curling past the far post and another from a Robinson cross that created an awkward angle.
United had their own chances before the break, with Bernd Leno tipping De Ligt’s header over the bar from a Fernandes free-kick. The first half ended goalless, despite Fulham looking threatening on the counter.
Second Half – A Battle of Attrition
Neither side was able to significantly shift the game’s momentum after the restart, despite tactical tweaks from both managers. Amorim switched Dalot and Mazraoui’s wings, while also introducing Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro in an effort to break the deadlock.
Bruno Fernandes came closest with a well-struck free-kick, but Leno was equal to the challenge. On the opposite end, Fulham substitute Adama Traore brought pace and intensity but lacked efficiency, blasting his best chance over the crossbar.
Martinez Breaks the Deadlock
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 78th minute, following some brilliant individual play from Garnacho. The winger toyed with his defender before pulling the ball back for Toby Collyer, who had replaced the injured Ugarte moments earlier. Collyer couldn’t quite get to the ball, but Martinez, stepping up from defence, struck it cleanly. A heavy deflection wrong-footed Leno, and the ball found the top-right corner to give United the lead.
Late Drama and a VAR Controversy
Fulham came close to snatching a late equalizer when Joachim Andersen flicked on a corner from former United man Andreas Pereira. Collyer came up big with a goal-line clearance to preserve United’s slender lead. The game opened up in the final minutes, with Rodrigo Muniz missing a golden opportunity, blasting over from close range.
United thought they had sealed the win in added time when Amad finished off a counter-attack, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside. Despite the setback, Amorim’s men held firm to secure a valuable victory on the road.
Match Details:
Manchester United XI: Onana; Mazraoui (Malacia 81), De Ligt (Yoro 58), Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Ugarte (Collyer 75), Fernandes (c); Amad, Garnacho (Mainoo 81); Hojlund (Zirkzee 58).
Unused substitutes: Bayindir, Lindelof, Eriksen, Casemiro.
Goal: Martinez 78.
Booked: Ugarte.
Attendance: 27,288.
Post-Match Reactions
Manager Ruben Amorim praised his team’s resilience, stating, “We knew it would be tough, but the players showed character. The win is important for momentum.”
Lisandro Martinez reflected on his decisive goal, adding, “I just hit it cleanly, and sometimes you get lucky with the deflection. The most important thing is we got the win.”
With United now turning their focus to European competition, this hard-earned victory serves as a confidence boost ahead of the crucial trip to Romania.
