Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty as Manchester United drew 1-1, extending their winless streak to two matches! Both Amolin and the players share responsibility; relying solely on transfers cannot revive the club.

Manchester United still struggle to claim a victory this season, drawing 1-1 at Craven Cottage against Fulham. After two Premier League games, they are five points behind the top spot. In the 87th minute, with the Red Devils chasing a winning goal, coach Ruben Amolin signaled for two central defenders, Maguire and Eden Haven, to come on, leaving Zirkzee and Corbie Meno off the pitch, which highlights several problems.

Compared to the opening match against Arsenal, Amolin made only one change to the starting lineup, with Amad Diallo replacing Diogo Dalot as the right wing-back. The goalkeeper remained Altei Baindil, and there was still no striker up front, with Andre Onana and Szeszko sitting on the bench.

Amolin explained that his choice was based on selecting the players in the best form. "This is a decision a coach must make. I observe the match, imagine the scenarios, and try to arrange the best players to win the game. That’s my choice. Szeszko has trained with the team for two weeks and is still learning everything. Sometimes, we need to be patient to help players develop."

Similar to the first match, Manchester United started well, especially in the opening 20 minutes. New signing Cunia, costing £62.5 million, created two good scoring chances but failed to convert either. At 3 minutes, he received a pass back from Mason Mount and shot with his right foot, hitting the right post. Ten minutes later, Baindil sent a long ball, and Cunia faced goalkeeper Leno, but his left-footed shot was saved as it was too central.

Manchester United should have broken the deadlock in the first half. In the 37th minute, Mount was held by Calvin Baxi during a corner and fell. Referee Chris Kavana reviewed VAR and awarded a penalty.

The penalty decision was controversial, with Fulham complaining that Luke Shaw committed a similar foul. Fulham coach Marco Silva insisted the penalty was unjust and claimed Lenny Joro also fouled.

Shortly after, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes collided unexpectedly with the referee while placing the ball. Somehow losing his composure, he shrugged in frustration, reset the ball, then kicked it into the stands! This was Bruno’s first missed penalty since December 2023 and the fifth miss during his time at United.

“I was very frustrated,” Bruno explained after the match. “As a penalty taker, you have your habits and routine. I was angry because the referee didn’t apologize. That’s what upset me then. But that’s no excuse for missing the penalty. I didn’t strike the ball properly; my foot wasn’t in the right spot, so the ball went over the bar.”

Bruno’s performance reflects serious issues with player mentality in the Manchester United dressing room, which cannot be fixed just by signing new players. Fans have repeatedly believed “just one more signing and the team will be complete,” much like many now think buying another defensive midfielder will secure the title. But professional football isn’t that straightforward; a successful team isn’t simply made up of 11 perfect players.

The first half ended 0-0, and shortly after the break, Amolin brought on the €85 million striker Szeszko. Manchester United finally scored their first Premier League goal of the season from a corner, though it wasn’t credited to a forward. Mbemo delivered a right-side corner, central defender Lenny Joro headed the ball, which deflected off Fulham forward Rodrigo Muniz into the net. Officially recorded as an own goal by Muniz, it nonetheless gave United a 1-0 lead.

Joro has been one of Manchester United’s best performers this season; his €70 million transfer fee seems justified. Traveling fans in West London chanted his name. However, the lead didn’t last long; after Amolin introduced Ugat and Dalot, the team conceded.

Manchester United once again failed to track opponents’ runs defensively. Fulham’s former Arsenal player Smith Rowe ran to the near post and delivered a left-wing cross that found the net, leveling the score at 1-1.

When Manchester United spent heavily on three new forwards but couldn’t score a direct goal, Amolin grew anxious. He took off his jacket and made two late substitutions, bringing on two central defenders. Maguire’s header narrowly missed, failing to save the coach’s fate. Eventually, the Red Devils had to settle for a draw, taking just one point from the away match.

Since adopting a strikerless strategy, Manchester United have scored only two goals across two friendlies and two league matches, both from opponents’ own goals. Their expected goals (xG) against Arsenal was 1.52, and 1.62 against Fulham. Across these games, the Red Devils took a total of 32 shots but managed to score only once, thanks to a set-piece resulting in an own goal.

After spending £200 million to strengthen their attack, they have yet to score an actual goal. Amolin commented, “At this level, this is normal. Cunia can play as a striker and number 10. He and Mount started together, and sometimes I feel the team’s style is more solid. We will adjust tactics based on results and opponents to try to win.”

Of the five substitutes introduced in the second half, four were defensive players. Twenty-year-old academy star Meno has not played a single minute in the two Premier League rounds, sitting on the bench with a grim expression.

Explaining his substitutions, Amolin said, “Corbie (Meno) is currently competing with Bruno (Fernandes) for a spot. I used two midfielders. I started Mount hoping to score, but when I needed to make changes, I felt the team required a defensive midfielder. Meno needs to compete with Bruno, and sometimes they might play together.”

Currently, Manchester United’s attack feels like a group of talented individuals trying to adapt to each other rather than a cohesive, well-coordinated unit. Fulham coach Silva sharply commented after the match, “In the second half, Manchester United’s best chances came from set pieces, and that was it.”

Even if Manchester United sign a new goalkeeper and midfielder, the team won’t automatically become a cohesive unit. Time won’t stop, nor will opponents, so United must find ways to win games instead of merely “seeing hope.”

Amolin is confident Manchester United have made progress but admits there has been no substantial change yet. “I’ve forgotten last season,” he said. “As I’ve said, we focus more on securing current results. We will score goals because the team creates many chances, and that is what matters most.”