Martinez’s Deflected Strike Secures Late Win as Manchester United Edge Fulham

Manchester United continued their dominance at Craven Cottage with a narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham, extending their remarkable run of eight consecutive Premier League away wins against the Cottagers. Despite a resilient display from the home side, a deflected strike from Lisandro Martinez proved decisive, securing a crucial three points for Erik ten Hag’s side.

Fulham started the brighter of the two teams, creating early opportunities in the first half. Emile Smith Rowe squandered the best chance of the opening period, failing to find the target from close range. The hosts, unbeaten in four of their last five home games before tonight, looked more threatening in the final third but struggled to convert their pressure into goals.

Manchester United, who had created just 0.25 expected goals throughout the game, finally broke the deadlock late in the second half. Martinez capitalized on a loose ball outside Fulham’s box, unleashing a speculative long-range shot that took a wicked deflection, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and nestling into the back of the net.

Fulham nearly snatched an equalizer in the dying moments when Joachim Andersen’s header seemed destined for the net. However, United’s Collyer produced a heroic goal-line clearance to preserve the visitors' slim advantage.

The victory marks Manchester United’s third Premier League win in their last 20 league matches in London, all of which have come at Craven Cottage. Meanwhile, Fulham remain winless in their last five home games (D4 L1), failing to score at home for only the second time this season.

United’s late-game mastery against Fulham also continued, with three of their last four 1-0 Premier League wins against the Cottagers featuring goals scored in the 78th minute or later.

Next up, Fulham travel to face Newcastle United in a tough away fixture, while Manchester United will host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford as they aim to build on this hard-fought win.