Manchester United were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, September 20, 2026. While Matheus Cunha rescued the Red Devils with a late equaliser, the Brazilian forward made it clear that the result was not enough for a team aiming to improve its Premier League campaign.
The fifth-round Premier League clash saw Fulham take the lead in the 63rd minute through an own goal from Lisandro Martinez. United responded late, with Cunha finding the equaliser in the 89th minute.
His goal ensured Manchester United avoided another defeat, but the draw left them 12th in the Premier League table.
For Cunha, the result highlighted an issue that Manchester United need to address: the team must show greater intensity from the opening whistle rather than waiting until they fall behind.
Manchester United Need a Faster Start
Cunha believes Manchester United actually followed their game plan during the early stages at Craven Cottage.
The visitors created several opportunities, but they were unable to turn those chances into goals.
Fulham eventually found the breakthrough after Martinez’s unfortunate own goal, changing the momentum of the contest.
Cunha felt United responded with greater energy and determination after conceding. However, he believes that reaction should have been visible much earlier.
“At the beginning of the game, we followed the plan and started creating some chances. We were unlucky not to score, then they scored from one action and were fortunate,” Cunha said.
“After we conceded, it was a little frustrating, but we played much better with more enthusiasm and character. That has to happen from the beginning of the game,” he added.
The comments underline Cunha’s frustration with United’s slow reaction.
Rather than relying on adversity to increase their intensity, the forward wants the team to establish that level of performance from the start.
Fulham Changed the Momentum After Half-Time
Another aspect highlighted by Cunha was the change in intensity at the beginning of the second half.
Manchester United had looked stronger during parts of the opening period, but Fulham returned from the break with greater energy.
That allowed the home side to put United under more pressure and eventually take the lead.
Cunha believes Manchester United cannot afford to allow their opponents to dictate the intensity of matches in this way.
“I felt that after the first half we created more chances, were stronger and more physical. At the beginning of the second half, Fulham put more energy into the game than us and we cannot accept that,” Cunha explained.
For United, the problem becomes more significant because Cunha believes the team has developed a tendency to perform better after conceding.
That pattern helped them rescue a point against Fulham, but it also highlights why they were forced to chase the game in the first place.
Cunha Wants Manchester United to Create More Chances
The late equaliser prevented Manchester United from leaving Craven Cottage empty-handed.
Cunha’s goal came from a shot outside the penalty area that struck David Affengruber before changing direction and finding the back of the net.
The goal gave United a valuable point, but Cunha stressed that the team must become more productive in attack.
The Brazilian forward wants Manchester United to create more opportunities and put themselves in better positions to score.
“We need to create more chances to score more goals. I am always trying to improve and give my best for this club,” Cunha said.
That message reflects the difference between avoiding defeat and consistently competing for victories.
Manchester United managed to respond after falling behind, but their position in the table shows that more consistent performances will be required.
One Point Was Not the Target
The draw against Fulham came immediately before a three-week international break.
Manchester United therefore leave the match with time to reflect on what needs to improve before competitive action resumes.
For Cunha, the priority is clear: United should not become satisfied simply because they managed to recover from a losing position.
The team went to Craven Cottage looking for a positive result, but the late equaliser only secured one point.
Cunha believes Manchester United have greater potential and should continue developing throughout the campaign.
“I always feel very honoured to play different roles for this club. This season we need to improve a little because we can still do something special for the club,” he said.
His comments suggest that the players remain focused on improvement rather than simply accepting the current situation.
The International Break Offers Time to Improve
The three-week international break could provide Manchester United with an opportunity to analyse their performances and work on the areas that need improvement.
Cunha specifically highlighted several areas that require attention:
- Starting matches with greater intensity.
- Creating more chances before falling behind.
- Maintaining energy after half-time.
- Responding positively without needing to concede first.
- Improving attacking productivity.
- Showing greater consistency across 90 minutes.
These aspects could become particularly important when the Premier League resumes.
Manchester United cannot rely on late goals every week to rescue points. The ability to control matches from the beginning will be essential if they want to climb higher in the standings.
Cunha Still Sees Potential at Manchester United
Despite his criticism, Cunha’s comments also contained an element of optimism.
The forward believes Manchester United can still achieve something special this season, provided the team continues to improve.
His own performance against Fulham offered one positive example. Cunha remained involved until the final stages and produced the moment that prevented United from suffering another defeat.
However, the draw also exposed the need for greater consistency.
Manchester United currently sit 12th in the Premier League after five matches, meaning there is plenty of work ahead.
Cunha’s message is therefore straightforward. The team needs to create more chances, play with greater intensity and stop waiting for setbacks to trigger a response.
The 1-1 draw at Fulham may have saved Manchester United from another defeat, but for Cunha, it should also serve as a reminder that one point is not enough.
The international break now gives the team time to work on those weaknesses. When Premier League action returns, United will have to show whether they can turn Cunha’s words into improved performances on the pitch.
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