United reboot stumbles after Smith Rowe's impact

Ruben Amorim's initial response to Manchester United executives' attempts last autumn to woo him was asking to wait until the summer.

- John Brewin

He wanted time to gain full knowledge of the club and their players. The season-opening games this month were supposed to be a time to be properly judged. Instead, a hangover from nine months of muddle casts shadows over attempts at rebooting.

After Rodrigo Muniz's own goal, first claimed by Leny Yoro for United, Craven Cottage was those nine previous months in microcosm, Amorim's team unable to put their opponent away, and shy in front of goal. Bruno Fernandes's first-half penalty miss was redolent of a team full of problems. United began well, only for confidence to drain as a muscular opponent met their measure. Emile Smith Rowe stole in to equalise after 94 seconds on the pitch; Fulham fully deserving their share of spoils.

Amorim afterwards blamed his team's goal for contributing to Fulham's equaliser. "I think we scored the goal and then we forgot about how we play," he said.

How long is a developmental phase allowed to take at a club of such short patience? Amorim awaits the shifting of his 'bomb squad' to free transfer money to fit his specifications. Altay Bayindir continued in goal, André Onana on the bench with Antwerp's Senne Lammens reportedly incoming. Mason Mount at false nine suggested Benjamin Sesko remains short of readiness.