Bruno Fernandes skied a penalty over the bar as Manchester United failed to capitalise on their first-half dominance at Fulham.
The penalty was awarded after Calvin Bassey was adjudged to have wrestled Mason Mount to the floor when defending a corner with referee Chris Kavanagh pointing to the spot after consulting with the VAR.
Captain Fernandes stepped up but lashed his 37th-minute shot well over and into the Hammersmith End.
It was harsh on United who continued the improvement they showed in last weekend’s narrow defeat to Arsenal.
Matheus Cunha was the stand-out player for the visitors and the Brazil forward could have opened the scoring after two minutes. Smart work from Patrick Dorgu and Mount enabled Cunha to work half a yard of space inside the box and he was unlucky to see his poked shot come back off the right-hand upright.
Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno then distinguished himself with a smart save from a Fernandes shot as United continued to look a threat going forward.
Fulham weren’t just sitting back though and the next chance in an entertaining opening half hour fell their way with Altay Bayindir – again preferred to Andre Onana in goal – having to get out quickly to block Josh King’s effort with his feet.
Leno reserved his best save for the 14th minute, however. A long ball from Bayindir was superbly controlled by Cunha and his shot was heading for the corner only for the German to stick out his left hand to divert the ball past the post.
Bayindir was also busy and he did well to get down to keep out a volley from Alex Iwobi after United could only partially clear a Fulham corner.
The home side began to see more of the ball as the half wore on but United remained a threat, even if their finishing was off-colour.
