Manchester United's quest for Premier League glory was dealt a significant blow in a heart-stopping clash at Craven Cottage, as Fulham's João Palhinha broke Red Devils' hearts with a devastating 91st-minute equaliser.
Erik ten Hag's men appeared to be heading for a crucial, hard-fought victory after captain Bruno Fernandes broke the deadlock with a sublime 56th-minute strike. The Portuguese maestro unleashed a powerful, curling effort from the edge of the box that gave Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno no chance.
United's Missed Opportunities Prove Costly
Despite taking the lead, the visitors were left to rue a catalogue of missed chances that would have put the game beyond doubt. United's attacking talisman, Rasmus Højlund, was particularly culpable, spurning two golden opportunities to double the advantage and seal the three points.
This profligacy in front of goal kept Fulham in the contest and set the stage for a grandstand finish.
Fulham's Resilient Fightback
Marco Silva's Cottagers, to their immense credit, refused to surrender. They grew into the game as the second half wore on, applying sustained pressure on the United defence.
The relentless pressure finally told in the first minute of stoppage time. A Fulham corner caused chaos in the United penalty area, and the ball fell to the tireless Palhinha, who made no mistake, smashing a volley into the net to send the home supporters into raptures.
The result feels like two points dropped for United, whose title challenge now faces a stern test. For a spirited Fulham side, it was a deserved reward for their persistence and fighting spirit against one of the league's giants.
