Matheus Cunha scored a deflected 89th-minute equaliser as Manchester United rescued a 1-1 Premier League draw away to Fulham on Sunday, avoiding a third defeat in the space of a week.

Fulham had moved in front through a Lisandro Martinez own goal before Cunha's late intervention ensured United left west London with a point.

Late Cunha goal changes the result

United were running out of time when Cunha found the equaliser in the 89th minute. His effort took a deflection on its way in, turning what had looked set to become another damaging defeat into a draw.

The timing made the goal particularly important after a difficult week for United. Rather than leaving Fulham empty-handed, they recovered late enough to secure a point and stop the run of defeats from extending.

Fulham had the advantage

Fulham's lead came via Martinez, whose own goal left United chasing the match. The hosts then had to protect that advantage as the visitors pushed for a response.

For much of the closing stages, Fulham appeared positioned to take all three points. Cunha's late strike changed the outcome and denied them victory at the end of a closely contested league meeting.

What the 1-1 draw means for Manchester United

The result does not erase the concerns created by United's recent defeats, but the late recovery gives them something to build on. A point away from home is materially different from a third successive loss, particularly when the equaliser arrives under pressure in the final minutes.

The immediate task will be to turn that resilience into more convincing performances. United still need greater control over matches rather than relying on late interventions, while the defensive sequence that produced Fulham's opener will also warrant attention.

Fulham denied at the finish

Fulham will have reason to be frustrated after carrying a lead so deep into the contest. Their advantage survived until the final minutes, only for Cunha's deflected finish to alter the scoreline.

For both sides, the 1-1 result leaves a contrasting feeling: relief for United after escaping another defeat, and disappointment for Fulham after coming within minutes of victory.

Key takeaways

  • Fulham and Manchester United finished 1-1 in the Premier League.
  • A Lisandro Martinez own goal put Fulham ahead.
  • Matheus Cunha equalised with a deflected effort in the 89th minute.
  • The late goal prevented Manchester United from suffering a third defeat in one week.

Source: Reuters reporting on the Premier League match, 20 September 2026.