Manchester United’s wait for their first win of the new campaign goes on, as a late strike from substitute Emile Smith Rowe earned Fulham a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage.

United looked set to take all three points after taking the lead in the second half, but once again, their inability to hold on proved costly.

The visitors dominated much of the first half and had the perfect chance to go ahead when a VAR review awarded a penalty after Calvin Bassey fouled Mason Mount inside the box. But skipper Bruno Fernandes, usually so reliable from the spot, sent his effort over the bar, summing up a frustrating 45 minutes for Erik ten Hag’s men.

After the restart, United finally broke through when teenager Leny Yoro’s header deflected off Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz, leaving goalkeeper Bernd Leno helpless as the ball rolled into the net.

Fulham boss Marco Silva reacted quickly, bringing on Emile Smith Rowe, and the decision paid off instantly. Within moments of coming on, Smith Rowe latched onto Alex Iwobi’s cross and turned it past United keeper Altay Bayindir with his very first touch in the 72nd minute to level the score.

United pushed for a winner, with substitute Harry Maguire coming closest, but his late header flew narrowly wide. In the end, Fulham stood firm, leaving United to settle for yet another draw and more dropped points.

The result means Manchester United are still without a win in their opening matches, piling more pressure on Ten Hag as questions grow over the team’s ability to close out games.