Fernandes Blazes Penalty as Fulham Draw with Man Utd
Fulham earned a valuable 1-1 draw against Manchester United in the Premier League after Emile Smith Rowe scored with his very first touch as a substitute, cancelling out an own goal and following a missed penalty from Bruno Fernandes.
The visitors initially took the lead when Leny Yoro’s header deflected off Rodrigo Muniz, marking United’s first goal of the season. However, Smith Rowe made an instant impact after coming off the bench, leveling the score just 93 seconds later.
“We are very competitive in training and always want to contribute. Coming off the bench, you have to be ready to make a difference,” Smith Rowe told Sky Sports.
This was Fulham’s first point against Manchester United at Craven Cottage in nine attempts. The Cottagers moved up to 13th in the table with two points, while United remain 16th after two games.
Fernandes Misses Spot-Kick
United showed early intent with Matheus Cunha testing Fulham’s defence twice in the opening minutes. The game’s first major moment came when referee Chris Kavanagh awarded a penalty after reviewing a foul on Mason Mount.
Captain Bruno Fernandes, normally reliable from the spot, sent the ball over the bar.
“I was frustrated because the referee bumped into me before the kick and didn’t apologise. But that’s no excuse — I simply hit it poorly,” Fernandes explained.
Smith Rowe Strikes for Fulham
United briefly regained the lead when Yoro’s header from a corner deflected off Rodrigo Muniz. However, Marco Silva’s substitution proved decisive as Smith Rowe found space in the six-yard box to finish a precise cross from Alex Iwobi.
“I knew Alex’s cross would come in, so I positioned myself to finish,” Smith Rowe said.
Fulham pressed after the equaliser, keeping United pinned back and creating chances, but a late header from Harry Maguire went wide, and the match ended 1-1.
