With the score tied at 1-1 in the 83rd minute, Man Utd supporters at Craven Cottage began chanting, "Attack, attack, attack," urging their team forward.

However, Amorim's response four minutes later was to substitute in two center-backs, Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven. This decision deflated the Man Utd fans, who were hoping for a winning goal, not a reinforced defense.

Maguire, primarily a center-back, is sometimes used as a late-game substitute due to his 6'4" height and aerial prowess. Minutes after coming on, the English player nearly scored with a header that went just wide of the post in stoppage time.

Manager Ruben Amorim directs his team during Man Utd's 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage, London, UK, in the second round of the Premier League on 24/8/2025. Photo: Reuters

Manager Ruben Amorim directs his team during Man Utd's 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage, London, UK, in the second round of the Premier League on 24/8/2025. Photo: Reuters

Amorim's substitutions throughout the match were puzzling, particularly as four of the five players brought on in the second half—Diogo Dalot, Manuel Ugarte, Harry Maguire, and Ayden Heaven—were defensively oriented. Meanwhile, attacking options like Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee remained on the bench.

After the match, the Portuguese manager explained that Ugarte was brought on to preserve the lead. Ironically, just four minutes after Ugarte replaced Mason Mount, substitute Emile Smith Rowe scored, earning Fulham their first point against Man Utd at Craven Cottage in 15 years.

Zirkzee may have been lacking match fitness after an injury during the preseason, but Mainoo's continued absence for the second consecutive week raised questions. Amorim explained, "Mainoo is competing with Bruno Fernandes for a spot. When making substitutions, I needed a defensive midfielder like Ugarte alongside Fernandes for stability."

It was a forgettable performance from Fernandes, who played the entire match. The captain missed a penalty and gave away possession dangerously several times, failing to create any significant chances for his teammates.

Defender Patrick Dorgu (red) battles with a Fulham player. Photo: Reuters

Defender Patrick Dorgu (red) battles with a Fulham player. Photo: Reuters

One bright spot for Man Utd was 19-year-old French center-back Leny Yoro. He played a key role in the opening goal, his header deflecting off Rodrigo Muniz and into the net. Earlier, he made a crucial tackle to deny Josh King a scoring opportunity. Yoro's performance, especially given his $82 million price tag, earned him chants from the away supporters.

Man Utd's attack, however, continued to disappoint, with the exceptions of Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha. Mount was one of the few energetic players, creating two early chances for Cunha and consistently tracking back to help defensively. After Casemiro's substitution, Mount partnered with Fernandes in midfield, fulfilling the role Man Utd envisioned for him upon his signing.

Cunha also impressed with his individual skills. He had scored a memorable goal at Craven Cottage the previous season and nearly repeated the feat, only to be denied by Bernd Leno in a one-on-one situation. Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir provided the assist for Cunha with a long pass. The Brazilian forward also hit the post early in the match.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the weather in West London was mildly sunny, but the mood surrounding Man Utd was gloomy. Amorim is undoubtedly aware of the mounting pressure as fans question why, after spending over $270 million on attacking players, the team still struggles to score.

Including preseason matches, Man Utd's starting lineup has gone eight consecutive halves without scoring a goal from open play. They have also failed to score in the first half in 29 matches since the start of the previous season, the second-highest total in Europe's top leagues, behind only Genoa in Serie A. The Red Devils have scored in only one of their last six competitive matches.

Hoang An (Manchester Evening News)