Matheus Cunha scored an 89th-minute equalizer to earn Manchester United a dramatic 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday, rescuing his side from a third consecutive defeat in a thrilling week of Premier League football.

United appeared destined for another damaging loss that would have intensified the growing scrutiny on their campaign heading into the international break. Fulham grabbed the lead just past the hour mark when Calvin Bassey fired a shot that struck goalkeeper Senne Lammens before rebounding off defender Lisandro Martinez and spilling into the back of the net for an unluckily conceded own goal.

Cunha Delivers Late Heroics at Craven Cottage

Refusing to back down, Manchester United pushed frantically for a response in the closing stages. Earlier in the match, captain Bruno Fernandes had already rattled the woodwork, while Bryan Mbeumo forced a stellar save from Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno. The dramatic breakthrough finally arrived in the 89th minute when Cunha unleashed a desperate strike that took a crucial, heavy deflection, completely wrong-footing Leno and flying into the net to snatch a point.

"Cunha’s effort took a heavy deflection before beating Leno and rescuing a point for United, who have now won only one of their opening five Premier League games."

The late blow shattered Fulham’s hopes of securing their first home league victory over Manchester United since 2009, while also denying new manager Alvaro Arbeloa his first league win at the helm. Despite the relief of avoiding defeat, United head into the international break having managed just a single victory from their opening five league fixtures.

Manchester City Prevail in Eight-Goal Etihad Mayhem

In Manchester, City maintained their 100 per cent record under manager Enzo Maresca, but only after weathering a wild, breathtaking eight-goal thriller against a relentless Sunderland side at the Etihad Stadium. City led twice in a chaotic opening half, only to be pegged back on both occasions by explosive Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey, who repeatedly punished structural gaps in the home defense.

Enzo Fernandez put City ahead before Brobbey quickly responded with his first equalizer. Rayan Cherki restored City’s advantage, but Brobbey struck again to send the teams into the break deadlocked. Antoine Semenyo then took center stage for City, scoring twice—including a vital 57th-minute strike—to put the hosts up 3-2. Brobbey completed a stunning hat-trick shortly after by scrambling the ball over the line, and Ruben Dias was forced to make a heroic goal-line clearance to prevent Sunderland from snatching the lead.

The pulsating clash was finally placed out of reach in the 81st minute when machine-like goalscorer Erling Haaland slotted home his seventh goal in his last five appearances, sealing a unforgettable 5-3 triumph. The victory keeps City three points clear of second-placed Arsenal at the summit, though their defensive vulnerabilities leave Maresca with plenty to address during the break.

Isak Strikes as Unbeaten Liverpool Edge Past Bournemouth

Elsewhere, Liverpool extended their unbeaten start to the season with a gritty 1-0 away victory over Bournemouth. The decisive moment arrived in the 57th minute when Alexander Isak reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box following a surging run down the right flank by Cody Gakpo and a challenge involving Florian Wirtz, slotting home his fourth league goal of the campaign.

Although Liverpool’s offensive rhythm was far from fluid—generating just six shots on goal throughout the contest—solid defensive discipline ensured the clean sheet and secured all three points to wrap up an action-packed weekend of Premier League action.