Manchester United held to 1-1 draw by Fulham

Manchester United’s hunt for a first Premier League win of the season continued after being held 1-1 by Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, while Jack Grealish inspired Everton to a 2-0 win over Brighton in their first game at their new stadium.

United manager Ruben Amorim was left frustrated as Bruno Fernandes missed a first-half penalty before Rodrigo Muniz’s own goal gave them the lead. However, Emile Smith Rowe struck late on to ensure Fulham claimed a point.

Fernandes’ spot-kick, awarded after a VAR check on Calvin Bassey’s challenge on Mason Mount, was blasted over the bar. United eventually broke the deadlock when Leny Yoro’s header deflected off Muniz into the net, but Fulham were left angry after VAR did not intervene for a possible foul in the build-up. Smith Rowe later punished United’s lapse, finishing off Alex Iwobi’s cross with 17 minutes left.

Despite Amorim’s £200m forward line of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, United’s attack has yet to click, leaving them still winless after losing their opener to Arsenal last weekend.

Meanwhile, Everton marked a new chapter in their history with a strong performance at their 53,000-capacity stadium, following their farewell to Goodison Park. David Moyes’ men made the occasion special with Iliman Ndiaye scoring the first goal at the new ground, assisted by Grealish, who also set up James Garner’s powerful strike for the second.

Brighton had opportunities to spoil the party as Kaoru Mitoma hit the bar, Jan Paul van Hecke struck the post, and Danny Welbeck missed a penalty, which Jordan Pickford saved to secure Everton’s memorable win.

Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace as Callum Hudson-Odoi equalised after Ismaila Sarr’s opener. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo dismissed speculation about his future, insisting he remains committed to the club despite reported tensions with owner Evangelos Marinakis.

AFP