Ruben Amorim’s New Frontline Struggles in 1-1 Draw at Fulham

Manchester United’s new attacking trio, featuring Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo, failed to deliver in a disappointing 1-1 draw against Fulham on October 1, 2023. The £200 million frontline struggled to convert opportunities during the match at Craven Cottage, culminating in a frustrating performance for fans and management alike.

The match began with a moment of promise for United when Cunha struck the post just two minutes in. However, as the game progressed, the new forwards struggled to make an impact. Mbeumo remained largely uninvolved, while Sesko, the £73 million signing from RB Leipzig, did not register a single shot on goal after coming on as a substitute in the latter stages. United’s only goal came from an unexpected source: teenage centre-back Leny Yoro, whose header deflected off Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz to find the net.

After taking the lead in the 58th minute, United were unable to maintain their momentum. Fulham equalized in the 72nd minute when Emile Smith Rowe, a late substitute, capitalized on a defensive error. The goal came after a cross from Alex Iwobi was mishandled by Matthijs de Ligt, allowing Smith Rowe to score with composure.

Amorim’s Analysis of the Match

Following the match, United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, expressed confidence that his team would soon find their scoring touch. He acknowledged the challenges faced by his new players, stating, “It was a tough match, and when we scored the goal we forgot about maintaining the way we play and tried to maintain the result. We want to win so bad.”

Amorim highlighted the need for improvement, particularly in maintaining focus after scoring. He emphasized that his team must continue to develop and learn from their experiences. Despite the frustrations, he noted that the team was creating chances, which he considered a positive sign for future matches. Regarding Sesko, Amorim remarked, “He needs time. It’s not easy to come off the bench when the game is really fast. He is learning that the game is faster than the Bundesliga, but he had some good connections with his teammates.”

The match featured a controversial moment early on when United were awarded a penalty after VAR intervened to review a grappling incident between Fulham’s Calvin Bassey and Mason Mount. Referee Chris Kavanagh ruled in favor of United, but Bruno Fernandes missed the subsequent penalty kick, further compounding United’s frustrations.

Fulham’s Resilience and Reaction

Fulham manager Marco Silva was pleased with his team’s response after going behind. He felt there was a foul in the buildup to United’s goal and expressed his dissatisfaction with the penalty decision. Silva stated, “Apart from the first 20 minutes, we did not give them any big moments. They scored a goal, and our reaction was top level in my opinion. The players kept their composure, their balance, and kept to the plan.”

Despite the draw, Silva’s side demonstrated resilience, controlling much of the match and responding effectively to United’s goal. The performance will provide a confidence boost as Fulham aims to build on their solid start to the season.

As the Premier League season progresses, both teams will look to address their respective challenges. United faces the task of revitalizing their attack, while Fulham will seek to capitalize on their newfound momentum. The coming weeks will be crucial as both clubs strive for consistency in a competitive league.