Man Utd's Fulham Stalemate Reveals Three Crucial Lessons
Manchester United have completed two matches in the 2025–26 campaign, yet Ruben Amorim's squad continues without a victory following their stalemate with Fulham on Sunday afternoon.
Expectations were high entering the second gameweek following last week's showing against Arsenal, despite the loss. United looked promising initially in west London but stumbled after securing an early second-half advantage.
Fulham rightfully clawed their way back through Emile Smith Rowe, while United failed to mount a meaningful counter-attack in the final moments. Both sides earned a fair point, though some may worry about United's display, which resembled their 2024–25 form rather than last Sunday's renewed energy.
Below are the key observations from United's 1–1 stalemate at Fulham.
Calvin Bassey Falls Prey to Holding Crackdown
Several regulation modifications are in effect for 2025–26, featuring semi-automated offside technology and corner kicks awarded when goalkeepers retain possession beyond eight seconds.
One adjustment that might have escaped notice was the emphasized enforcement against intentional holding, especially during set-pieces. At Craven Cottage, Fulham's Calvin Bassey became a casualty.
Initial reaction to the seemingly minor incident was minimal, but VAR intervention proved costly for Bassey, who unnecessarily dragged Mason Mount down inside Fulham's penalty area. While other players engaged in typical jostling, Bassey's transgression was unmistakably blatant.
Following his pitchside monitor review, Chris Kavanagh granted Manchester United a penalty, presenting the Red Devils with an excellent opportunity to register their first goal of the season. Unfortunately, Bruno Fernandes blasted his penalty attempt well over the crossbar.
Amorim's Midfield Appeal
Ruben Amorim wasted little time utilizing his substitutes in the second period, with the United manager surprising many with his initial double substitution.
Benjamin Šeško's introduction was expected, as was the direct replacement at right wing-back. However, Amorim removed Casemiro for the Slovenian striker, forcing Mason Mount to retreat and form an extremely offensive central midfield partnership with Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese tactician may be signaling to club leadership, with the summer transfer window deadline approaching. Amorim could have selected Manuel Ugarte or Kobbie Mainoo but chose something unconventional. Ugarte's disappointing appearance against Arsenal last week didn't help his cause, while Mainoo's continued absence remains puzzling.
Amorim clearly desires a central midfielder acquisition within the coming week, with his dismissal of more suitable options at the second half's start suggesting dissatisfaction with United's existing personnel.
Ugarte eventually replaced Mount, who appeared uncomfortable in the deeper role. Nevertheless, the lack of midfield authority during the closing stages was concerning. Fulham recognized they could dominate whichever combination Amorim deployed in his midfield.
United's Return to Form
Last week's Arsenal defeat offered legitimate grounds for optimism, but United's showing here will raise questions.
Matheus Cunha delivered early excitement, and the Brazilian's exceptional individual skill can elevate this United squad that frequently appears constrained within their current system. The attacking talent's superiority demands improvement, yet greater responsibility must fall on the manager to optimize his forward line collectively. There's a clear absence of systematic unity, both in and out of possession.
United began positively but quickly granted Fulham momentum. A lackadaisical press enabled the hosts to find their spare midfielder, whether Alex Iwobi or Josh King, eventually penetrating the final third. This Red Devils side simply lacks sufficient control with and without possession to compete at this division's summit.
Their goal arrived against the flow of play, while the second-half display was uninspiring at best. They appeared exhausted, with notable midfield problems regardless of the manager's adjustments. His counterpart, Marco Silva, energized his team through tactical changes, but Amorim's moves only hindered the visitors, and the failure to adapt from their primary approach ensures United remains predictable.
Despite new signings, no evolutionary progress was evident.