Daijiworld Media Network – London

London, Aug 25: Manchester United were left frustrated after skipper Bruno Fernandes squandered a first-half penalty, allowing substitute Emile Smith Rowe to earn Fulham a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

The game began at a frenetic pace with chances at both ends. United’s new signing Matheus Cunha looked lively, forcing Bernd Leno into an early save before striking the post. Fernandes also tested the Fulham keeper from distance, while Josh King’s effort for the hosts was denied by Altay Bayindir.

The key moment arrived on 35 minutes when Calvin Bassey was adjudged to have fouled Mason Mount inside the box after a lengthy VAR review. Fernandes, however, blazed his spot-kick high into the stands, to the relief of the home crowd. Fulham then grew into the game, with Rodrigo Muniz and Timothy Castagne both threatening from Saša Lukic’s crosses, but the first half ended goalless.

United finally broke the deadlock shortly before the hour mark in scrappy fashion. Young defender Leny Yoro’s header deflected off Muniz’s back, wrong-footing Leno as the ball trickled into the net.

Fulham manager Marco Silva introduced Smith Rowe soon after, and the substitute delivered. Making a sharp run into the box, he connected with Alex Iwobi’s cross to slot home the equaliser past Bayindir.

The closing stages saw end-to-end action, with Harry Maguire heading narrowly wide in stoppage time, but neither side could find a winner.

Smith Rowe’s clinical finish ensured Fulham’s persistence was rewarded, while United were left to rue Fernandes’ costly miss from the spot.