Bruno Fernandes missed a first-half penalty as Manchester United were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage.
United remain winless in their opening two Premier League matches, following last weekend’s defeat to Arsenal and now failing to hold onto a second-half lead, piling early pressure on new head coach Ruben Amorim.
Rodrigo Muniz’s own goal had put United ahead just before the hour mark, although the strike was marred by controversy as Leny Yoro appeared to push Calvin Bassey in the back with both hands before heading the corner off the Fulham striker and into the net.
“He is lucky to get away with that,” noted Sky Sports’ Gary Neville, while Bassey later told the broadcaster: “When the ref looks back on it, he will be disappointed.”
It looked as if United would escape punishment for Fernandes’ earlier penalty miss, his first since December 2023, when Yoro’s disputed header deflected in off Muniz.
But Fulham substitute Emile Smith Rowe had other ideas, latching onto an Alex Iwobi cross that bounced through the six-yard box to secure a late equaliser.
The dramatic finish only intensified scrutiny on Fernandes’ spot-kick failure.
The Portugal playmaker appeared composed as referee Chris Kavanagh took an extended pause to review Bassey’s challenge on Mason Mount, an incident initially ignored by players and officials.
But Fernandes’ rhythm was disrupted after he accidentally collided with Kavanagh during his approach. After resetting, he blasted the penalty over the bar.
