In a dramatic, nail-biting climax that will be etched into Premier League folklore, Bruno Fernandes delivered a moment of pure magic deep into injury time to gift Manchester United a crucial, and somewhat fortuitous, 1-0 victory over a defiant Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The match seemed destined for a dour goalless draw, a result that would have heaped immense pressure on under-fire Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag. Fulham, organised and resilient, had effectively stifled United's attacking threats for the entirety of the contest, creating the better chances throughout the ninety minutes.
Just as the fourth official's board signalled five added minutes, the game erupted. A Fulham attack broke down, and United launched a rapid, last-gasp counter-attack. The ball found its way to Fernandes on the edge of the penalty area. With a sliver of space, the Portuguese maestro didn't hesitate, unleashing an unstoppable, first-time rocket that flew past a helpless Bernd Leno and into the net.
The goal sparked pure pandemonium amongst the travelling United supporters and sheer devastation on the Fulham bench. It was a brutal blow for Marco Silva's side, who had executed their game plan perfectly and were mere seconds away from a well-earned point.
This last-gasp intervention from their captain provides a massive reprieve for Ten Hag. A draw would have meant just one win in six Premier League games, but this victory, stolen from the jaws of a stalemate, could serve as a critical catalyst for United's faltering season. For Fulham, it's a harsh lesson in the ruthless, unforgiving nature of top-flight football.
