Martinez goal shows Man Utd tactic pay off again in tight 1-0 win over Fulham

Manchester United finally responded to the calls from their fans with a goal but it had to come from a deflected shot by a defender

Lisandro Martinez, often celebrated for his defensive prowess, has recently become an unexpected offensive asset for United.

The Argentine center-back, who had scored just once in his first two-and-a-half years at the club, has now netted twice in a month.

His latest goal—a deflected effort in the 78th minute—proved decisive in United’s 1-0 win over Fulham.

Martinez’s offensive contributions are growing, from his goal at Anfield to creating Bruno Fernandes' winner against Rangers.

Martinez's strike at Craven Cottage wasn’t just a goal; it was a lifeline for a team struggling to find consistency.

It also provided a rare moment of joy for the 2,701 United fans in the Putney End, who have witnessed their club win eight consecutive matches at Fulham's ground.

The Argentine’s name echoed around the stadium as fans chanted "Argentina" during his post-match interview.

Martinez’s shot, though deflected off Sasa Lukic and slightly fumbled by Bernd Leno, found its way into the net, ending a stretch of United’s toothless attacking display.

Remarkably, it was their only shot on target—a recurring theme, as they had managed just one shot on target in their previous league match against Brighton.

Ruben Amorim, overseeing only his 16th match in charge, is still navigating the challenges of a team in transition.

United fans chanted his name as full-time approached, recognizing back-to-back wins—something the club had struggled to achieve this season.

Despite the victory, the performance left much to be desired, with United managing little cohesion and often resorting to trial and error.

Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui’s halftime flank switch did little to ignite attacking flair. Even goalkeeper Andre Onana, who once promised to take “risks,” resorted to time-wasting tactics in the 76th minute.

Harry Maguire delivered a commanding performance, banishing the memory of his recent error against Rangers.

United secured a rare clean sheet, their second under Amorim, providing some stability amid an otherwise disjointed display.

Rasmus Højlund’s struggles continued as he extended his goalless streak to 11 games.

The Danish forward clashed early with Joachim Andersen, his international teammate, but found little joy.

His frustration was evident, and Amorim substituted him shortly after halftime, sparing what little confidence the young striker had left.

Bruno Fernandes, however, remains a bright spot. His fiery determination and relentless work ethic have earned him nine goals this season.

Although he occasionally displayed frustration—once snapping at Matthijs de Ligt for a sideways pass—Fernandes’ passion and leadership are vital for United’s ambitions.

United’s win brought temporary relief but highlighted deeper issues. The team remains far from its former glory, and fans’ faith in the squad is fragile.

The banner bearing the names of legends Best, Law, and Charlton serves as a stark reminder of the standards expected at Old Trafford.

The late kickoff and lacklustre performance seemed karmic for broadcasters who disrupted fans’ schedules. United’s loyal supporters endured, singing through the mediocrity and celebrating a hard-fought win.

While Amorim’s side claimed victory, much work remains to restore confidence and consistency.

The team may have eked out a win at Craven Cottage, but tougher challenges lie ahead. For now, they’ll take solace in the three points and the growing influence of Martinez on both ends of the pitch.