Ruben Amorim did the opposite of what Manchester United fans wanted at Fulham

Manchester United’s trip to Craven Cottage ended in more frustration as Fulham came from behind to snatch a deserved point in west London. For United, it was another missed opportunity, another performance where their attacking shortcomings were laid bare, and another moment where Ruben Amorim’s cautious approach left fans bewildered.

When the score was locked at 1-1 in the 83rd minute, the United supporters inside the ground made their feelings clear. Chants of “attack, attack, attack” rang out from the away end, urging their side to throw everything forward in search of a late winner. Instead, Amorim made the surprising call to introduce two centre-backs, a move that immediately drew criticism. It was a decision that seemed to kill any momentum United had mustered, replacing ambition with damage limitation.

The statistic that will worry both Amorim and the fanbase is stark: across eight successive halves of competitive football, no United starter has found the net from open play. The barren spell began when Rasmus Højlund was dropped from the team, and despite big-money reinforcements, the drought continues. United’s £133.5m worth of attacking additions have yet to transform their frontline into the goal threat supporters were promised.

Benjamin Šeško, the new man brought in to ease the goalscoring burden, cut a frustrated figure. He came on earlier than in his debut appearance but still looked rusty, unable to find rhythm in a game that desperately required a clinical touch. His introduction failed to change the complexion of the contest, raising questions about his sharpness and readiness to lead the line.

Amorim’s substitutions became the talking point of the evening. Harry Maguire and youngster Ayden Heaven both entered the fray in the 87th minute, ostensibly to manage the workload of their fellow defenders. Yet, it was hardly the message United needed to send with the game still hanging in the balance. Ironically, Maguire almost turned hero, coming close to heading United back into the lead with his very first touch, but his effort drifted wide.

If the defensive reinforcements were surprising, the absence of Kobbie Mainoo was equally concerning. The young midfielder, widely seen as one of United’s brightest prospects, remained an unused substitute for the second consecutive week. With creativity and control lacking in midfield, his exclusion was a puzzling one that only deepened the sense of missed opportunity.

United had taken the lead through a set-piece routine, with Leny Yoro credited for the opener, though the ball appeared to glance off Rodrigo Muniz on its way in. Yoro, signed for a hefty €70m fee earlier this year, has settled quickly into life at Old Trafford and continues to impress with his composure and defensive instincts. His perfectly timed sliding challenge on Josh King earlier in the game exemplified his front-footed approach and justified the faith Amorim has shown in him.

However, the defensive solidity Yoro provided was undone by a lapse at the other end. Within minutes of Amorim’s conservative substitutions, Fulham equalised through substitute Emile Smith Rowe, who punished Diogo Dalot’s failure to close down the cross. The timing of Amorim’s changes could hardly have been worse, effectively inviting pressure at a stage when United should have been pushing for a winner.

Bruno Fernandes, normally so reliable from the spot, squandered a golden chance to extend United’s lead. His penalty miss—his first failure in nearly two years—summed up United’s growing frustration in front of goal. The sight of Casemiro turning away, unable to watch the attempt, captured the tension within the team. Fernandes had been clinical in pre-season, yet when it mattered, his effort sailed over, leaving Fulham with renewed belief.

Despite flashes of promise from Mason Mount, who showed both discipline and creativity in midfield, and glimpses of intent from Matheus Cunha, United never looked truly comfortable. Cunha came close with a sharp effort that forced Bernd Leno into a strong save, but frustration soon got the better of him, echoing the struggles he sometimes endured during his Wolves spell.

Amorim himself cut an increasingly restless figure on the touchline. Dressed casually in an Adidas tracksuit top, he urged his players forward as early as the first half, but by the time the game entered its decisive stages, his choices betrayed a reluctance to gamble. When United needed boldness, Amorim opted for safety, and it cost them.

As the final whistle blew, the sense of disappointment among the travelling supporters was palpable. United had worked hard, controlled large spells, and taken the lead, yet they left west London with just a single point. For a club aiming to re-establish itself among the Premier League’s elite, it was another reminder that good performances mean little without the ruthless edge to finish games off.

The result leaves United with back-to-back draws, still searching for the attacking fluency and killer instinct that has eluded them for much of the new season. With rivals already staking their claim for Champions League places, Amorim’s men cannot afford to continue dropping points. If United are serious about challenging, the manager will need to do the very thing he avoided at Fulham—take risks, trust his attacking talent, and give the fans the aggressive football they demand.