Man United drew with Fulham in their second Premier League fixture of the season and here are how the players rated at Craven Cottage.
18:24, 24 Aug 2025Updated 18:56, 24 Aug 2025
Samuel joined the Manchester Evening News in 2014 and is the Chief Manchester United writer. He has broken exclusives on Jose Mourinho’s appointment, the re-signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking, the club’s interest in Ralf Rangnick and Erik ten Hag, as well as numerous other transfers and team news. He has represented the MEN on the BBC, Sky News, Sky Sports News, TalkSport, Radio 5 Live, CNN and various other media outlets worldwide.
To receive Samuel’s weekly newsletter for exclusive views and insight, subscribe at https://insideoldtrafford.substack.com/about
Yoro celebrates after United went ahead
Manchester United drew 1-1 with Fulham in their first Premier League away game of the season on Sunday.
United started brightly with Matheus Cunha hitting the post in the opening two minutes before being denied by a smart stop from Bernd Leno. United were awarded a penalty following a VAR review after Calvin Bassey hauled Mason Mount to the ground but Bruno Fernandes fired his effort well over the bar.
Leny Yoro’s header found the back of the net via a deflection off Rodrigo Muniz as United took the lead in the second half but Emile Smith Rowe drew the home side level.
Here are how the players rated at Craven Cottage:
Altay Bayindir
Made a couple of straightforward stops but resembled a schoolboy in an underage match at corners. Had no chance for the goal. 5
Leny Yoro
Another unflappable performance from the teenager. Great tackle on Josh King before he helped force the breakthrough in the 58th minute. 8
Matthijs de Ligt
Had the measure of Rodrigo Muniz, United’s scourge the last time Fulham beat them in the league. Marshalled the defence impressively. 7
Luke Shaw
An assured performance from the reinvented defender, now a full-time centre back, for an hour. Blindsided by Smith Rowe for the equaliser. 6
Amad
The only change to the team, Amad smacked his thighs in frustration in the first half at not getting enough of the ball. Rallied to force a save early in the second half but came off with Casemiro. 6
Casemiro
A solid enough presence against a lightweight Fulham midfield until he got booked on 39 minutes. Did not last long in the second as he walked the tightrope. 5
Bruno Fernandes
Failed for only the fifth time from 12 yards, having converted three penalties during pre-season. Not his most creative of afternoons and failed to spot Smith Rowe. 5
Patrick Dorgu
Endeavoured to offer width but did not provide much service for the United front three. Not as attack-minded as in pre-season. Stayed on by default. 4
Mason Mount
Set the tone with his pressing and fed Cunha twice for two chances in the first two minutes. Gamely dropped into midfield for 15 minutes in the second half. 7
Bryan Mbeumo
Crowded out more than against Arsenal, when he was afforded a remarkable amount of space. Delivered a dangerous corner for Rodrigo Muniz’s own goal. 6
Matheus Cunha
Shot over in the first minute, hit the post in the second and brilliantly denied by Leno later in the first half. Quieter in the second half. 7
Subs
Diogo Dalot
Poor for the equaliser. 4
Benjamin Sesko
Rusty. 5
Manuel Ugarte
His introduction signalled a defensive shift that did not work. 5
Harry Maguire
Almost scored with his first touch. 6
Ayden Heaven
Came on with Maguire. 6
Manager
Only made one change and Bayindir was unconvincing again. Misguided faith in Casemiro was exposed. Too defensive too early with the Ugarte change. 5