A cagey affair at Craven Cottage saw Manchester United scrape past Fulham with a 1-0 victory. Lisandro Martínez’s opportunistic 77th-minute header was enough to settle the tie, despite a spirited display from Fulham. The Cottagers might feel aggrieved as they won the xG battle (1.1 to 0.3), but United’s defensive solidity carried the day.

Key Stats

Fulham: 9 shots, 1.08 xG, 32 progressive runs

Manchester United: 4 shots, 0.33 xG, 17 dribbles

Fulham dominated possession (50%) and created more high-quality chances, but their lack of a clinical edge proved costly.

Match Momentum

The momentum graph paints a picture of two halves. Fulham dominated for long spells, especially in the first half, creating a consistent wave of pressure. However, they struggled to convert that into clear chances. United’s solitary goal came during a late surge, with Martínez capitalizing on a rare attacking opportunity.

Shots and Goals

Fulham took 9 shots compared to United’s 4, but poor finishing and blocked efforts hampered their progress. Their best chance came from central positions just outside the six-yard box (xG 0.24).

Meanwhile, United’s lone goal came from their only shot on target (xG 0.01) — a testament to efficiency, if not creativity.

Possession Tactics

United’s pass map highlights a reliance on central interplay, with Mazraoui and Fernandes linking well in midfield. Garnacho and Højlund were isolated, often starved of service.

Fulham, by contrast, utilized their full-backs, Castagne and Robinson, as outlets, creating width to stretch United’s defense. Sander Berge orchestrated their play effectively from deep.

It wasn’t pretty, but United will take the points and move on. Fulham showed resilience and creativity but lacked the cutting edge to reward their efforts. A lesson in efficiency from the Red Devils and a missed opportunity for Marco Silva’s men.