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By HARRY BAMFORTH, LIVE SPORTS COVERAGE REPORTER and ROBERT SUMMERSCALES, SPORTS REPORTER and CHRIS WHEELER, NORTHERN SPORTS WRITER and OLIVER HOLT, CHIEF SPORTS WRITER Updated: 03: 01 AEST, 25 August 2025 308 View comments Follow Daily Mail Sport's live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Fulham host Manchester United at Craven Cottage in the Premier League, with Oliver Holt and Chris Wheeler reporting from the ground. That goal has completely changed the vibe inside Craven Cottage. All you can hear is the away end chanting away now, and they are currently singing about kicking Manchester City fans. Not very nice, is it? Marco Silva turns to the bench. One of the best full-backs in the league last season, Antonee Robinson, enters proceedings. He replaces Ryan Sessegnon while Harry Wilson is on for Timothy Castagne. If I were Calvin Bassey, I would be miffed. He was penalised for throwing Mason Mount to the ground in the first half, but when he gets pushed over, it's OK. .. Granted, he was only pushed and not thrown, but given that refs are meant to be clamping down on those challenges, as seen in this game, I feel he has a right to feel aggrieved. VAR, eh? Of course, it had to be from a corner! After all the problems United have had defending them, they take the lead from a set-piece. It's not pretty, but they won't care. The ball hits the back of Rodrigo Muniz as he tries to head it clear, and it bobbles into the bottom corner. It looks like Leny Yoro pushes Calvin Bassey to the ground as he heads the ball, which bounces off Muniz, but this time it's not enough to see the goal chalked out. United break the deadlock. Oh my word, Altay Bayindir has actually caught a ball following a corner. Do my eyes deceive me? I mean, it is following a Kenny Tete flick on, but still. What's worth noting is that when Man United cheaply gave that corner away, Ruben Amorim shook his head and then couldn't watch when it was sent in. Yep, that's how much United struggle defending corners - their manager can't watch them attempting to. That's a brilliant challenge from Leny Yoro! It looks like he has been embarrassed as Josh King flicks the ball over his head and is away. The Fulham forward starts bursting clear of Yoro, but the young defender somehow manages to wrap his leg around him and win the ball. Goal-saving challenge, that. There are huge cheers from the away end as Benjamin Sesko makes his way onto the pitch. He comes on to replace Casemiro while Amad Diallo is hooked for Diogo Dalot. Ruben Amorim is going for it. I'm still not quite used to Joachim Andersen's new trim yet. Oh well, he gets his newly-shaved head onto the ball from a corner, and it flashes wide of the post. He thinks it's come off Luke Shaw and gets ready for another set-piece, but the referee gives a goal-kick. I mean, it definitely comes off Shaw. .. Manchester United have come flying out of the blocks again, just like they did in the first half. Amad Diallo was rather quiet in the first half, but he is finally getting involved as Mason Mount plays a cute little pass into his path on the right-hand side of the area. The wing-back (yes, he is one of them now) lets fly, but Bernd Leno comfortably beats it away. What a tune. The DJ at Fulham is playing London Calling as the two teams return to the pitch, and it's one of my favourite songs. I hope that goals are calling too in this second half, as it gets underway. I have seen many a fan wondering why Calvin Bassey was penalised for his foul on Mason Mount, when so many of those incidents were missed last season. Well, I have the answer for you right here. Refs made it clear before the season that they were clamping down on such fouls, and my colleague Mike Keegan previously wrote an article on the new directive. If you want to learn about it, then be my guest. Read more: Peter Drury is bang on, it really is 'an ugly one'. I had pre-written a goal post and was ready to click send; that's how confident I was that Bruno Fernandes would score. He usually does. But not today, and boy, is it a horrendous miss. It reminded me of the one that Riyad Mahrez skied at Anfield seven years ago. Fernandes won't want to watch this one back. Well, that was a rather entertaining 45 minutes. Well, the start and end of it were. How it is 0-0 at the break, I will never know. United started on fire and should have taken the lead early on, but Matheus Cunha was repeatedly foiled. Then there was the penalty. Bruno Fernandes is going to have nightmares about that miss for some time. Altay Bayindir's inability to deal with corners will cost Man United at some point today, I am telling you. He flaps at yet another one and is just lucky that Sander Berge's effort is blocked. It's crazy how weak he is, it really is. Is that right? There is only going to be two minutes of stoppage times despite the VAR check. Now that would have been some goal. Sasa Lukic watched Richarlison score an overhead kick last week and thought, 'I can do that. ' Well, he can't. The ball comes his way, his eyes light up, and he makes a fool of himself by missing the ball entirely and landing on his back. Altay Bayindir just can't deal with corners; he is all over the place. Yet again, he struggles to shrug off Fulham players as the hosts send in a set piece, and he flaps at the ball when it passes him. The keeper doesn't reach it, but luckily for him, there isn't a player who can punish him. He needs to sort that out, and quickly. With Fulham fans still taking the michael out of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro loses his cool and picks up a yellow. A pretty rubbish minute or two for the Red Devils. .. Oh. My. Word. Bruno Fernandes almost sends the ball out of the stadium. That is a horrific penalty. The man who can normally do no wrong might have just sent that ball off to north London. One hell of a miss. There we go! Referees said they were going to clamp down on these types of tussles, and here is the evidence. Chris Kavanagh announces to the crowd that Calvin Bassey has been penalised, and now Bruno Fernandes has the chance to score United's first goal of the season. Can he do it? Oh, wait a minute. VAR are checking a foul from Calvin Bassey on Mason Mount in the box. .. Man United could have a penalty. Bassey definitely throws Mount to the floor, and now Chris Kavanagh is checking the screen. We know what happens next. .. I think that last post tells you all that this game has lost its spark, unfortunately. Nothing entertaining has happened for over 10 minutes now, and I am getting a little tetchy. It seems some of the fans are, too, because I'm starting to hear some groans from the stands. Does Ruben Amorim have a case for one of the coolest managers in the Premier League? Now, I'm guessing you are wondering why I am saying that, but I have just got a glimpse of the Adidas jacket he is wearing and it's fire. I want one now (I hope you're reading this, Adidas! ) This game has certainly calmed down now. That may be in part due to the fact that Matheus Cunha is struggling to get involved now, unlike in the first 15 minutes. Now, I'm glad that my brain and fingers are getting more of a rest, but I would like to be entertained, so hopefully it picks up again soon. Fulham have really grown into this game now. It took them a while, but the Cottagers have settled down are starting to shift the ball about with real gusto. I must say, it's been a very entertaining watch. I can't keep my eyes off it, well, until I have to click send on these posts. .. I simply can't keep up, it's chances galore. Now it's Altay Bayindir's turn to make an impressive save as he gets low to deny Alex Iwobi's low drive from distance. Moments later, Calvin Bassey gets up to meet the resulting corner from four yards out, surely he has to score? But no, he puts it wide. This game is relentless! It just won't go in for Matheus Cunha! This chance is the best of the lot, and he brings down Altay Bayindir's goal kick with a filthy touch. He then just has Bernd Leno to beat, and after a touch like that, you think it's a pretty straightforward finish. But no, Leno does incredibly well to somehow turn his effort past the post. Oh hello Fulham, welcome to the game. After soaking up a lot of pressure here early on, the hosts now show that they, too, can be threatening. Josh King is slid in behind and he just has Altay Bayindir to beat, but the Turk rushes out and smashes his effort. My word, do Manchester United look sharp! They are a completely different team from the one we saw crumble every week last campaign. Part of that is down to Matheus Cunha, who is at the heart of everything they have done here so far. He shifts the ball over to Bruno Fernandes, who lets fly from 25 yards out, but Bernd Leno pushes his dipping effort away. United really are knocking at the door. I've just noticed that Joachim Anderson has shaved his head, I'm n ot sure what to think about that. As a man who has long hair, it's a real sickener to lose a soldier with long locks who has such visibility. Obviously, I'm joking. .. it's a good look. And breathe. .. That really was a relentless start from Manchester United, and Matheus Cunha in particular, but now this game has calmed down a little. Cunha does love playing at Craven Cottage; he scored a couple of bangers here last year. It looks like he could do some real damage again today. I hope he gives me a bit more rest before firing some more shots at goal, mind. I'm knackered from a 15-mile run this morning! Ohhhhh! Matheus Cunha has the bit between his teeth here in the first few minutes, and he comes even closer to scoring without doing so. Man United really have come flying out of the blocks and Mason Mount finds Cunha in the box. The forward does really well to fashion some space and then crashes a low effort off the post. That deserved a goal. Nearly the perfect start for Man United! We know that Matheus Cunha isn't scared to have a pop from miles out, and boy, he nearly scores a stunner here. The summer signing has a dig from 25 yards out, and the ball whistles just over the bar. That was close! By Harry Bamforth Just want to start by saying that I have a problem with Fulham's kit. .. The shirt is quite nice, but they are wearing white shorts. Fulham aren't meant to have an all-white kit; it just looks weird. It's wrong. Anyway, the ball is rolling, and I am just going to have to put up with it. By Harry Bamforth No, I don't mean it's hot. It's cooking one hell of an atmosphere and I would like to thank Rob Summerscales for handing this blog over to me so I get to enjoy it. Actually, it may be hotter than I thought. There are plumes of fire blasting into the air on repeat as the players come out, and that is drifting over to the press box. Anyway, the teams are out and it's almost go-time. I'm very excited for this match-up, are you guys? I mean, you should be. By Robert Summerscales It's nearly show time. .. Just five minutes until kick-off at Craven Cottage and HARRY BAMFORTH has just arrived to guide you through the action. By Robert Summerscales Fulham vs Man United is game nine of 10 in the Premier League this weekend, with Newcastle vs Liverpol to come tomorrow. It is also the third and final game of the day. In the 2pm kick-offs Everton started life at their new stadium by beating Brighton 2-0 courtesy of goals from Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner - both assisted by Jack Grealish. Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest drew 1-1 at Crystal Palace, with Callum Hudson-Odoi equalising after Ismaila Sarr's opener. Premier League results so far this weekend: West Ham 1-5 Chelsea (Fri) Man City 0-2 Tottenham (Sat) Bournemouth 1-0 Wolves (Sat) Burnley 2-0 Sunderland (Sat) Brentford 1-0 Aston Villa (Sat) Arsenal 5-0 Leeds (Sat) Crystal Palace 1-1 Nottingham Forest (Sun, 2pm) Everton 2-0 Brighton (Sun, 2pm) Plenty of attention on Bayindir today, not just because of Amorim's decision to stick by him and keep Onana on the bench, but because of United's move for Antwerp keeper Senne Lammens. It would make sense for Lammens to replace Bayindir to provide more competition for Onana, but nothing can be ruled out at the moment - including having four senior keepers or Onana going if the right offer comes in. Monaco were quoted £30m earlier this summer and he could yet be a target for his old club Inter Milan. The expectation is that Onana stays, but the Lammens deal and Amorim's decision faith in Bayindir pose some interesting questions. By Robert Summerscales Luke Shaw (right) makes his 200th Premier League appearance for Manchester United this afternoon. He becomes only the 27th player to reach that landmark for the club, and the first since Anthony Martial back in September 2023. History suggests the occasion does not always bring good fortune — four of the last five United players to clock up 200 league games ended up on the losing side in their milestone match (David de Gea, Chris Smalling, Marcus Rashford and Martial). By Robert Summerscales Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens in a deal worth around £17m. The 23-year-old Belgian, capped at Under-21 level, only joined Antwerp from Club Brugge last year but was in the stands for his side's 2-1 win over Mechelen on Sunday as talks over a move to Old Trafford progressed. Ruben Amorim has kept faith with Altay Bayindir in goal today, with Andre Onana named among the substitutes, but fresh competition looks set to arrive before the window closes. Mbuemo and Cunha in the United line-up but it is still hard not to look at that first XI and think that the club is an awfully, awfully long way from challenging for the top honours again. By Robert Summerscales Marco Silva on facing Manchester United: By Robert Summerscales Marco Silva on Antonee Robinson and Andreas Pereira not being in the squad: By Robert Summerscales Fulham boss Marco Silva speaking to Sky Sports about Rodrigo Muniz starting: By Robert Summerscales Man United manager Ruben Amorim speaking to Sky Sports about the importance of results: By Robert Summerscales Man United manager Ruben Amorim speaking to Sky Sports about £65m striker Benjamin Sesko not starting: By Robert Summerscales Man United manager Ruben Amorim speaking to Sky Sports about choosing Altay Bayindir over Andre Onana: So Ruben Amorim makes just the one change from last weekend's defeat against Arsenal. It's an attacking one with Amad Diallo replacing Diogo Dalot at right wing-back. Benjamin Sesko starts on the bench again and Altay Bayindir keeps his place in goal despite that costly error against the Gunners, although Andre Onana returns on the bench. There were plenty of positives for Ruben Amorim from the opening game, but he knows the mood will change if United start the season with back-to-back defeats. By Robert Summerscales All eyes will be on the centre of the pitch this afternoon. For Fulham, 18-year-old academy product Josh King (pictured) keeps his place after impressing at Brighton, lining up in an attacking role behind Rodrigo Muniz. It is another big test of whether the teenager can handle the Premier League stage. Up against him, United field the experienced duo of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, who will look to dictate the tempo and give their £198. 5m frontline the platform to shine. With Sander Berge and Sasa Lukic adding steel for the hosts, the midfield battle could decide who comes out on top at Craven Cottage. By Robert Summerscales Another big call is in goal. Altay Bayindir retains his place despite his costly error in last week’s defeat to Arsenal, with Andre Onana staying on the bench. A vote of confidence, or an early sign that Amorim prefers the Turkish international as his No 1? Possibly neither as it is understood United are eyeing a new stopper. By Robert Summerscales Plenty of focus will be on Benjamin Sesko this afternoon — but United's £65m striker has to wait for his first start. Ruben Amorim goes with Matheus Cunha through the middle, flanked by Mason Mount and Bryan Mbeumo. It could be a statement of intent to ease Sesko in gradually — or a sign Amorim still isn't sure of his best XI. By Robert Summerscales Rodrigo Muniz is rewarded for his late equaliser at Brighton with a start up front this afternoon — meaning Raúl Jiménez drops to the bench. Ryan Sessegnon is also handed a start as Marco Silva freshens up his side for the visit of United. Fulham XI: Leno, Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Castagne; Berge, Lukic; Sessegnon, King, Iwobi; Muniz Subs: Lecomte, Cuenca, Robinson, Reed, Cairney, Wilson, Adama, Smith Rowe, Jimenez By Robert Summerscales Benjamin Sesko does not start. Not does goalkeeper Andre Onana. Both have to settle for a place among the substitutes as Altay Bayindir keeps his spot in goal, while Mason Mount supports Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in attack. United's only change from last weekend sees Diogo Dalot replaced by Amad Diallo. Man United XI: Bayindir; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Amad, Fernandes, Casemiro, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Mount, Cunha. Subs: Onana, Dalot, Fredricson, Heaven, Maguire, Ugarte, Sesko, Zirkzee. By Robert Summerscales For Fulham, the challenge is turning Craven Cottage back into a fortress. Marco Silva's side lost their final three home matches last season – a run the Portuguese has never endured before in his managerial career – and he will be desperate to stop the slide today. The setting could hardly be better. The sun is out on the banks of the Thames, the Riverside Stand is already buzzing, and fans have been filing in early to take advantage of the £5 pint offer. With a sold-out crowd behind them, the Cottagers will hope to make this famous old ground an intimidating place once again. By Robert Summerscales All eyes will be on United's £198. 5m new-look frontline this afternoon. Ruben Amorim moved aggressively in the summer to bring in Benjamin Sesko (£65m), Matheus Cunha (£62. 5m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£71m), hoping to finally fix a misfiring attack. None of the trio managed to score on debut against Arsenal last weekend, but there were signs of promise. Cunha and Mbeumo both went close, only to be denied by David Raya, while Sesko came off the bench to make his first Premier League appearance since his record switch from RB Leipzig. United fans will want to see one of them make the difference today. By Robert Summerscales United travel here with a dominant record at this ground. They have won on each of their last eight league visits to Craven Cottage - and have never beaten one club nine away times in a row in their top-flight history. Can Marco Silva's men stop that happening today? By Robert Summerscales It is matchweek in the Premier League and both sides are chasing their first win of the campaign. Fulham left it late at Brighton last weekend, Rodrigo Muniz rescuing a point with a 97th-minute goal in a 1-1 draw at Brighton. United, meanwhile, slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to Arsenal - but there was plenty of encouragement in Ruben Amorim's side's attacking display - as they registered 14 shots. By Robert Summerscales Good afternoon and welcome to Daily Mail Sport's live coverage of Fulham v Manchester United from Craven Cottage. We'll have build-up, team news at 3. 15pm and full coverage of this 4. 30pm kick-off in west London. Ahh yes, start your new striker that you just boug. ..
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