Manchester United’s frustrating start to the Premier League 2025/2026 season continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham at Craven Cottage. The Red Devils, still searching for their first victory of the new campaign, once again let a lead slip away, leaving new manager Ruben Amorim visibly disappointed after the match.
Manchester United Take the Lead but Fail to Kill the Game
United appeared to be on their way to three points when Fulham forward Rodrigo Muniz inadvertently put the ball into his own net midway through the second half. That slice of fortune handed Amorim’s men a 1-0 advantage and briefly lifted the mood among the traveling supporters.
However, the momentum quickly shifted. Fulham manager Marco Silva introduced Emile Smith Rowe from the bench, and the former Arsenal midfielder made an instant impact. Just minutes after his introduction, Smith Rowe found the back of the net in the 73rd minute to level the score.
Despite a frantic final 15 minutes, neither side managed to find a winner. The result means United remain winless after two league fixtures, piling pressure on Amorim to find solutions before the season slips further away.
Ruben Amorim’s Honest Assessment: Mentality Still a Problem
After the match, Amorim did not hide his frustration with his players. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, the Portuguese coach admitted that his team lost focus as soon as they went ahead.
“I think we scored the goal and then we forgot how we were supposed to play. The desire to win was there, which is a good thing, but once we were in front, everybody on the pitch was thinking only about defending the lead rather than keeping control of the game,” Amorim explained.
The former Sporting Lisbon boss added that this mindset backfired, with his side pressing recklessly and leaving too many gaps for Fulham to exploit.
“We tried to press very high without proper balance and left a lot of space. At this level, you can’t afford to lose your shape. As a team, we have to grow and mature much more,” he added.
United’s Key to Improvement: Balance and Mental Strength
For Amorim, the issue goes beyond tactics or physical preparation—it comes down to mentality. He stressed that United need greater composure in high-pressure moments if they are to turn draws into wins.
“Training sessions alone aren’t enough,” he said. “You need victories to build confidence and bring calmness to the team. That relaxation doesn’t mean losing intensity, but it helps keep a clear mind when the game becomes difficult.”
The Portuguese coach emphasized that United must continue working hard to develop resilience. He admitted that Fulham’s equalizer shifted the momentum heavily, and his players struggled to recover afterward.
What This Means for Manchester United
The draw leaves Manchester United sitting mid-table after two matches, a worrying sign for a club aiming to challenge for the top four and possibly the Premier League title. While it is still early in the season, questions are already being asked about whether Amorim can instill the consistency and mentality needed to compete at the highest level.
Fulham, meanwhile, will take confidence from their performance, especially the impact of Smith Rowe, whose debut goal could prove vital for their ambitions this season.
For United, the road ahead doesn’t get any easier. With tougher fixtures looming, Amorim and his squad must quickly address their mental lapses and rediscover their identity on the pitch. Otherwise, the early doubts surrounding their campaign could quickly turn into full-blown pressure.
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