In a moment of pure, unscripted drama at Craven Cottage, Bruno Fernandes emerged as Manchester United's saviour, firing home a stunning stoppage-time winner to snatch a crucial 1-0 victory from the jaws of a dismal draw with Fulham.
The match seemed destined to encapsulate United's recent struggles: a toothless, goalless affair lacking in creativity and conviction. For 90 minutes, Erik ten Hag's side laboured against a disciplined Fulham, failing to register a single shot on target and offering little threat to Bernd Leno's goal.
Fulham, organised and resilient, had the better of the chances. Goalkeeper André Onana was forced into a smart save to deny Harry Wilson, while Scott McTominay's header, which flew over the bar, was the closest the visitors came for the vast majority of the contest.
The game was meandering towards a final whistle that would have heaped more pressure on under-fire manager Ten Hag. Then, deep into added time, the script was ripped up.
Substitute Christian Eriksen, on for the injured Mason Mount, found a pocket of space and played a perfectly weighted pass into the path of the advancing Fernandes. The Portuguese skipper, who had been largely quiet, took one touch to set himself before unleashing a ferocious, first-time drive from the edge of the area that flew past a helpless Leno.
The away end erupted in disbelief and delirium, a stark contrast to the stunned silence that fell over the home supporters. It was a goal of immense quality and even greater significance, papering over the cracks of another concerning performance with three priceless points.
The victory, sealed in the 91st minute, provides a much-needed reprieve for Ten Hag and lifts United to sixth in the Premier League table, offering a glimmer of hope after a torrid start to the season.
