Martinez's Fortunate Goal Earns Manchester United Narrow Win Over Fulham In Premier League Clash

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Lisandro Martinez's unexpected goal secured a 1-0 win for Manchester United against Fulham in a lacklustre Premier League match at Craven Cottage. The game was decided by a stroke of luck when Martinez's 30-yard shot deflected off Sasa Lukic, looping over Fulham's goalkeeper Bernd Leno. This was the only shot on target for Ruben Amorim's side, who otherwise struggled to challenge their opponents.

Fulham had few chances themselves, with Joachim Andersen's powerful header being cleared off the line by substitute Toby Collyer in the final moments. United managed just one attempt in a forgettable first half, while Alex Iwobi's efforts were all Fulham could muster. Bruno Fernandes hit a low free-kick into the side-netting as the second half mirrored the first until Martinez's fortunate strike.

Collyer's crucial clearance from Andersen's flicked header following Andrea Pereira’s corner denied Fulham a late equaliser. United thought they had doubled their lead through Amad Diallo deep into injury time, but his low shot into the bottom-right corner was disallowed for offside after a VAR review.

Martinez emerged as an unexpected hero for United at Craven Cottage with his third Premier League goal, all scored away from Old Trafford. The Red Devils have netted 68 per cent of their league goals this season in the second half, with only Leicester City having a higher percentage at 72 per cent.

United’s Away Form and Statistics

This season hasn't been stellar for United, yet they remain unbeaten when leading 1-0 in the Premier League, alongside Arsenal, Liverpool, and Newcastle United. They have also triumphed in their last eight away league games against Fulham. This victory marked their third win in their last 20 league matches in London (D5 L12), all at Craven Cottage (also winning 2-1 in November 2022 & 1-0 in November 2023).