By Emeka Blast 
Premier League: Fulham Upset Manchester United in Craven Cottage Classic
Fulham delivered a resilient performance to hold Manchester United to a dramatic 1-1 draw in their Premier League match at Craven Cottage on Sunday, August 24, 2025, with Emile Smith Rowe’s late equalizer canceling out Matheus Cunha’s early strike. The pulsating encounter, marked by a controversial penalty miss from United’s Bruno Fernandes, kept both teams searching for their first win of the 2025/26 season, igniting fervent reactions across social media and highlighting Fulham’s fighting spirit against Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils.
The match, broadcast live on Sky Sports at 4:30 p.m. BST, saw Manchester United take an early lead in the 10th minute when Cunha capitalized on a slick move, striking the post before slotting home, as reported by @ManUtd on X. Fulham, led by manager Marco Silva, responded with tenacity, with Rodrigo Muniz and Alex Iwobi testing United’s goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, who made two crucial saves. The turning point came in the 85th minute when a VAR-checked penalty was awarded to United for a foul on Mason Mount, but Fernandes blasted his spot-kick over the bar into the Hammersmith End, as noted by @FulhamFC on X, prompting wild celebrations from the home crowd.
Smith Rowe, introduced as a substitute, leveled the score in the 87th minute with a clinical finish, assisted by Ryan Sessegnon, securing a vital point for Fulham, per ESPN. The hosts’ resilience echoed their 97th-minute equalizer against Brighton the previous week, with Muniz again proving pivotal. Manchester United, despite dominating possession at 60%, struggled to convert chances, with new signing Benjamin Sesko missing a header late on, per The Guardian.
Managerial reactions underscored the match’s intensity. Amorim, speaking to Sky Sports, lamented the missed penalty, saying, “We were unlucky, but we must be more clinical. Fulham fought hard.” Silva praised his team’s grit, telling BBC Sport, “We showed character to come back. Emile’s goal was deserved.” The result leaves Fulham with two points and Manchester United with one from their opening two matches, per PremierLeague.com.
Social media buzzed with reactions. @FulhamFC tweeted, “Bruno Fernandes skies it! Emile Smith Rowe saves the day! ⚽️ #FFC,” while @ManUtd posted, “Frustrating draw at Craven Cottage. We go again! 🔴 #FULMUN.” Fans lauded Smith Rowe’s impact, with @NaijaGist tweeting, “Smith Rowe is Fulham’s hero! Man United robbed by a miss! #PremierLeague,” though @TruthSeekerNG noted, “United’s attack needs work. Fernandes’ miss was costly. #EPL.”
Injuries added to United’s woes, with Noussair Mazraoui doubtful and Lisandro Martinez ruled out, while Fulham missed Antonee Robinson, per Standard.co.uk. The match underscored Fulham’s home resilience, having lost only once to United at Craven Cottage since 2009, per Fotmob.
