INTERNATIONAL

Fulham held by Man United after late heartbreak at Craven Cottage

📅 September 24, 2026 · By Liberia Sports Live · AI-assisted match report · 👁 3

Latest Result: Fulham 1-1 Manchester United

It was a bitter evening at Craven Cottage on Saturday, September 20, as Fulham were cruelly denied their first Premier League victory of the campaign. The Cottagers had worked hard to take the lead against Manchester United, only for a late Red Devils goal to snatch a 1-1 draw from them. Manager Álvaro Arbeloa expressed visible frustration after the final whistle, reflecting mixed emotions at a result that felt more like a defeat than a point gained.

Recent Form in Context

The draw against United continues a difficult start to the season for Fulham. Before facing United, they had suffered back-to-back Premier League losses — a 0-1 defeat away at Sunderland on August 30, and a 2-3 home loss to Crystal Palace on September 5. A goalless draw at Liverpool on September 12 gave them their first top-flight point. The one bright spot came midweek on September 15, when Arbeloa's side produced a fine 3-2 Carabao Cup win away at West Ham United, booking their place in the fourth round where they will host Crystal Palace. Rodrigo impressed in that cup run, with Arbeloa noting the forward has already scored more goals in five matches this season than across the whole of last campaign.

Injury News

Fulham are dealing with a small but significant injury list. Captain Tom Cairney remains sidelined and is still in the recovery phase. Right-back Kenny Tete was ruled out of the Manchester United game due to concussion protocols after being struck by the ball during the Liverpool match at Anfield. Left-back Ryan Sessegnon had been managing a groin problem that kept him out of the Liverpool and West Ham games; Arbeloa was hopeful Sessegnon could return for the United clash but was cautious, saying the club did not want to take any risks with the defender's fitness. It is not yet confirmed whether Sessegnon featured against United.

Manager Quotes

Ahead of the Manchester United game, Arbeloa praised the squad depth shown in the Carabao Cup win over West Ham, highlighting the effort and attitude of players who had been waiting for their chance. He singled out the impact of new summer arrivals, including Austrian centre-back David Affengruber, whose addition to the backline has helped stabilise a defence that previously shipped goals in three straight defeats. Arbeloa reshuffled his back four after those losses, and Fulham have since conceded just once in two games.

Transfer Talk

The summer transfer window closed on September 1, with Fulham having been among the busier clubs. Key arrivals included Spanish striker Gonzalo García from Real Madrid for a club-record £34 million, midfielder Shea Charles from Southampton for around £26-30 million, Austrian defender David Affengruber for £10 million, and Hugo Larsson on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt. On the outgoing side, both Issa Diop and Saša Lukić departed to newly promoted Ipswich Town. The January window does not open until January 1, 2027. (RUMOUR) According to TransferFeed, Fulham are reportedly monitoring Sevilla's 24-year-old Spanish defender Kike Salas ahead of the winter window, with Arsenal also said to be interested. (RUMOUR) Reports also suggest Fulham are keeping an eye on Sevilla midfielder Lucien Agoumé, though no formal offer has been made for either player. With Cairney and Tete among those currently missing, Arbeloa may look to strengthen in January if the injury situation does not improve.

Sources

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