The last-minute winner, which was scored by Bruno Fernandes, alleviated some of the pressure from Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
Following consecutive 3-0 losses in the Premier League to Manchester City and the Carabao Cup to Newcastle, the Dutchman and his underperforming stars came under increased scrutiny.
In reality, Fernandes’ victory merely covered up numerous flaws in yet another lackluster effort from the hosts, who appeared incapable of adding to their losing streak.
United travel to Copenhagen on Wednesday for a Champions League match; however, despite claiming three points, they continue to appear more suited to compete in the Europa Conference League.
Ten Hag had devoted a significant portion of Friday to condemning Marcus Rashford’s “unacceptable” birthday celebrations that occurred mere hours after the derby loss the previous week. The England forward failed a fitness test on a leg injury this morning, which dominated the conversation.
In a post-City reshuffle that was prevented from starting Victor Lindelof due to illness, Alejandro Garnacho, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who scored a late winner in this match last season, and Antony all entered the starting lineup. Wan-Bissaka has since returned to fitness. Raphael Varane, who participated in the Champions League prior to the derby match, observed Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans continue their match without him from the bench.
Maguire was knocked to the ground in forty seconds after receiving a shoulder blow to the head from Rodrigo Muniz. Varane warmed up, but the player for England continued.
This was especially true given that Maguire participated in the free-kick movement in which Scott McTominay scored from close range, which ultimately resulted in the goal being chalked off.
Garnacho squared for the Scot after Christian Eriksen’s delivery found him at the back post. However, Maguire was among three colleagues who were deemed offside, and a lengthy VAR review in which referee John Brooks walked to a monitor for confirmation concluded that this was sufficient to prevent Antonee Robinson from intervening.
That was the only legitimate shot on target during a dreadful forty-five minutes, which was attempted by Fernandes and was easily saved by Bernd Leno.
Fulham provided only sporadic signs that they might be interested in attempting to score, but Alex Iwobi squandered their best opportunity.
Early in the second half, Garnacho pierced Leno’s palms, and the Fulham goalkeeper was soon forced to block another attempt from the Argentine.
Two opportunities presented themselves for Fulham to take the lead around the hour mark, but both were blocked by Andre Onana. The substitute for Harry Wilson executed an impressive, if not entirely convincing, diversion of the arcing long-ranger. David de Gea. Furthermore, upon Palhinha being brought in much closer, the Fulham player struck a powerful effort at a height that delighted the goalkeepers.
Fernandes won the game in stoppage time after Leno was forced to make an incredible diving save on a long-range free-kick. The Fulham penalty area was rife with various types of pinball before the United captain displayed remarkable composure by controlling the ball, swerving to deflect a potential challenger, and then launching a low drive that Leno saved but could not block.
Fulham (4-2-3-1): Leno 7; Castagne 6, Bassey 6, Ream 7, Robinson 7; Iwobi 6 (Jimenez 89), Palhinha 7; Wilson 7 (Cairney 90), Pereira 6 (De Cordova-Reid 82), Willian 7 (Lukic 75); Muniz 6 (Vinicius 75).
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Onana 6; Wan-Bissaka 7, Maguire 6, Evans 6, Dalot 7; Eriksen 6 (Mount 79), McTominay 7; Antony 6 (Pellistri 64, 4), Fernandes 6, Garnacho 7; Hojlund 6 (Martial 79).