Lisandro Martinez’s Late Strike Secures Victory for Manchester United at Fulham

Manchester United snatched all three points against Fulham with a late, deflected strike from Lisandro Martinez in a match that had been largely uninspiring for over 75 minutes. As both teams struggled to create meaningful opportunities, the game seemed destined for a goalless draw until Martinez’s decisive moment. The defender strode forward and unleashed a shot from the edge of the box, which deflected off Sasa Lukic and looped past a helpless Bernd Leno. It was Manchester United’s first shot on target, underlining the lack of attacking threat throughout the contest.

Fulham will feel hard done by, having been the better side in the first half. The hosts created promising opportunities, most notably when Antonee Robinson picked out Raul Jimenez in a dangerous position. However, Jimenez’s heavy first touch squandered the chance, as he blasted his shot over the bar. Despite their efforts, Fulham failed to capitalize on their spells of dominance, leaving the door open for Manchester United to deliver a late sucker punch.

Manchester United’s ability to strike late against Fulham has now become a pattern, having also claimed a narrow win at Old Trafford in August. This time, they needed a heroic intervention from substitute Toby Collyer, who cleared Joachim Andersen’s header off the line in the dying minutes to preserve their lead. Amad Diallo thought he had added a second goal in stoppage time, but his effort was disallowed after a VAR review ruled him offside.

The win marks consecutive victories for Ruben Amorim’s side, following their midweek triumph over Rangers in the Europa League. It moves them up to 12th in the Premier League standings, providing a much-needed boost to their campaign. Meanwhile, Fulham remain in 10th place, left to rue their missed chances and the cruel twist of fortune that handed the visitors a late victory.