Five things we learnt as United fall into familiar trap in 1-1 draw versus Fulham

Manchester United travelled to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham in their second game of the Premier League season.

Altay Bayindir retained his place in goal in spite of a bad mistake last time out against Arsenal. The back three also remained the same as Luke Shaw, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro all started.

Patrick Dorgu was on the left as Amad returned to the starting line up at right wing back. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro were once again named as the midfield pivot.

Mason Mount played in the number 10 slot with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha once again started as a number nine, with Benjamin Sesko having to settle for a place on the bench once again.

Here are four things we learnt from the match.

Matheus Cunha

The Brazil international made an impressive debut against Arsenal last weekend and he began where he left off today.

The United man was active in dangerous areas and could have opened the scoring on numerous occasions.

He hit the post with a clever shot and could have scored when a wonderful first touch brought him one-on-one with the keeper, but he failed to convert.

United are still trying to get into gear with their attack but the signs look a lot more promising than last year.

Altay Bayindir still nervy

There have been strong rumours that United are closing in on Senne Lammens as their new keeper.

Bayindir got the nod again after disappointing last match against Arsenal.

The Turk impressed with his passing once again but frequently looked lost from Fulham corners.

Twice he came out and completely missed the ball as Fulham almost opened the scoring.

The Red Devils will hope that their potentially new Belgian keeper will be able to handle this crucial aspect of Premier League football better.

Bruno Fernandes not his usual self

Bruno Fernandes has been United’s best player for a very long time and at the end of last season, frequently carried the team.

Nonetheless, he has not started this season so effectively and made a few careless passes from midfield.

He had the glorious opportunity to score United’s first goal from the penalty spot just before half-time but uncharacteristically blazed over.

Fernandes seemed affected by an accidental shoulder barge by the referee moments before the penalty was due to be taken and this may have affected his usually cool mentality from 12 yards.

Bryan Mbeumo delivery on point

United bought Bryan Mbeumo this summer to improve their creativity and sharpness in front of goal, and it paid off in matchday two.

The Cameroonian was one of the top crossers in the league last season and United’s first goal came from a corner kick.

He delivered a pinpoint cross into the box from a corner that Leny Yoro headed against Rodrigo Muniz to give United the lead.

Mbeumo almost provided a late winner when his corner was met by Harry Maguire but the ball agonisingly drifted wide.

The Red Devils will hope Mbeumo can be the architect of many more corner and set piece goals this season.

United switch off again

The Red Devils did the hard work of getting themselves into the lead versus Fulham but their inability to defend in key moments once again reared its ugly head.

They gave Fulham an avenue back into the game as Emile Smith Rowe ghosted in to bring the Cottagers level.

De Ligt was passive in the box and Bayindir perhaps could have reacted faster, but once again, Ruben Amorim’s side failed to stand up collectively under pressure.

Unless the team can foster a much stronger mentality in these moments, they won’t get close to the objectives that they have set at the start of this season.

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