Why you should expect late drama on Sunday

Whether you’re attending Fulham v Manchester United on Sunday, or watching from afar, make sure you don’t check out early.

In recent years, the fixture has regularly offered late drama, as Opta’s preview data highlights.

Lisandro Martinez scored the deciding goal at Craven Cottage last season, in the 78th minute, but the Reds’ previous two visits featured even later winners, as you’ll find out below…

IT’S NOT OVER UNTIL IT’S OVER

The last four Premier League meetings between the Reds and Sunday’s opponents have seen a winning goal scored in the 78th minute or later, with Licha’s deflected effort securing a double over the Londoners in 2024/25 – Joshua Zirkzee had scored an 87th-minute winner in the M16 clash, on the opening day.

But that was nothing compared to the prior term, when the teams swapped stoppage-time winners to secure all three points on away turf. Alex Iwobi lashed home in the seventh minute of added time at Old Trafford, to put the seal on a 2-1 victory, after Bruno Fernandes had broken Fulham hearts earlier in the campaign.

Going further back, Alejandro Garnacho’s sensational solo goal in November 2022 arrived after 93 minutes and ensured United went into the World Cup break in a celebratory mood.

REDS BID FOR RECORD

Those memorable goals from Martinez, Fernandes and Garnacho have helped us to extend an impressive winning run at Fulham.

Since a 2-2 draw at the Cottage in August 2010, we’ve taken all three points on every single league visit – yes, all eight of them (the capital outfit played outside of the top-flight between 2014 and 2018, in 2019/20 and 2021/22).

A repeat would set a new club record.

OUR PRODUCTIVE PORTUGUESE

Bruno Fernandes created five chances for United in our 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, the 33rd time he’s done so in 196 Premier League appearances.

That’s the most of any player in the competition since he made his debut in February 2020 and a repeat against Fulham would draw him level with Ryan Giggs, who created five or more chances 34 times after Opta started collecting these records in 2003/04.

Highlights: Fulham v United Video

Highlights: Fulham v United

HIGHLIGHTS | Watch the best bits from our Premier League trip to Craven Cottage…

CUNHA LOVES THE COTTAGE

Matheus Cunha has notched four goal involvements in his last three Premier League games against Fulham, a tally that includes the brace and assist he provided for Wolves on their visit to SW6 last season.

Cunha was instrumental as Gary O’Neil’s side thrashed the Cottagers 4-1 – the heaviest defeat the Londoners suffered in the league during 2024/25.

How Cunha caught the eye Video

How Cunha caught the eye

PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS | Matheus Cunha put in an all-action performance against Arsenal…

DOMINATING THE DUELS

According to Opta, United players won a higher percentage of their duels – 57 per cent – than any other team on the Premier League’s opening weekend.

The Reds won 70 of the 123 duels contested against Arsenal, with new arrivals Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo helping the attack in particular look more physical.

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