In a devastating finale that left Old Trafford stunned into silence, Manchester United's faltering season hit a new low as Alex Iwobi's 97th-minute winner handed Fulham a monumental 2-1 victory on Saturday.
The result, a crushing blow to Erik ten Hag's ambitions, shatters United's fragile momentum and casts a dark shadow over their hopes of securing Champions League football next season.
A Tale of Two Halves: United's Fragility Exposed
The match began in the worst possible fashion for the injury-ravaged Red Devils. Fulham's Calvin Bassey, a constant threat, unleashed a thunderous drive that broke the deadlock in the 65th minute. The goal was a direct result of United's inability to clear their lines, a recurring theme throughout a disjointed performance.
Just as despair began to set in, United conjured a moment of hope. Emerging talent Omari Forson, making his full debut, played a pivotal role in the build-up before captain Harry Maguire poked home from close range to seemingly salvage a point in the 89th minute.
Agony at the Death: Iwobi's Dramatic Intervention
The drama, however, was far from over. In a cruel twist of fate deep into stoppage time, Adama Traoré burst forward on a lightning counter-attack. He found Iwobi in acres of space, and the Nigerian international made no mistake, firing past André Onana to send the travelling Fulham support into raptures.
The goal was a brutal punishment for a United side that had overcommitted in search of a winner, leaving gaping holes at the back for the ruthless visitors to exploit.
Injury Crisis Deepens for Ten Hag
Beyond the result, the performance highlighted the severe challenges facing Ten Hag. With a staggering 13 first-team players reportedly unavailable due to injury, including key figures like Rasmus Højlund and Luke Shaw, the Dutch manager was forced to field a patched-up side.
The lack of cohesion and a recognised striker was painfully evident for large periods, as United struggled to break down a well-organised and disciplined Fulham defence marshalled superbly by João Palhinha.
This defeat leaves Manchester United eight points adrift of the top four, with their chances of qualifying for Europe's premier competition hanging by a thread. For Fulham, it's a famous and fully deserved victory at the Theatre of Dreams, their first league win at Old Trafford since 2003, which will be celebrated long into the night.
