Manchester City beat Sunderland in eight-goal thriller, as United hold Fulham

Manchester United secured a late 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, avoiding a third consecutive Premier League defeat after Matheus Cunha scored in the 89th minute.

Fulham took the lead in the 63rd minute when Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez turned the ball into his own net. 

The goal appeared to put the hosts on course for their first league victory of the season.

Manchester United struggled to create clear-cut opportunities despite dominating possession and registering 25 shots during the match. 

Fulham’s disciplined defensive display frustrated the visitors, who struggled to convert their chances.

However, United found an equaliser in the closing stages when Matheus Cunha’s low strike took a deflection off Fulham defender David Affengruber before finding the bottom corner. The goal handed Manchester United a valuable point.

The result means Fulham remain without a Premier League victory this season, while Manchester United avoided consecutive defeats and ended the match with a share of the points. 

The game was a difficult contest for both teams, but the upcoming international break could provide an opportunity for both sides to reset.

Manchester United will return to league action after the international break with fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United and Bournemouth. 

The club will also face Atletico Madrid and Como in the Champions League during the same period.

Earlier, Manchester City moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League after beating Sunderland 5-3 in an eight-goal thriller at the Etihad Stadium. 

The victory came a day after defending champions Arsenal suffered a 3-0 defeat at Brighton, allowing City to capitalise and maintain their 100 per cent winning record. 

The result also extended City’s run to seven consecutive victories in all competitions and gave manager Enzo Maresca a perfect start to his tenure, having won his first five Premier League matches in charge.

Antoine Semenyo scored twice and providing an assist, while Rayan Cherki impressed and Enzo Fernandez netted his first goal for the club. 

Erling Haaland also found the net late in the match, completing his scoring record against all 25 Premier League opponents he has faced. 

However, Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey caused major problems for City’s defence, scoring a hat-trick and becoming only the sixth player to score three goals in a Premier League match his team ultimately lost.