Manchester United vs. Fulham Football rivalries spark passion, ignite debates, and create unforgettable moments. Manchester United Football Club and Fulham Football Club, two historic English teams, share a competitive history that stretches over a century. While Manchester United boasts global fame and a trophy-laden cabinet, Fulham brings grit, resilience, and occasional surprises to the pitch. This article dives into their head-to-head timeline, spotlighting key matches, standout performances, and the latest clashes up to April 2025. With long-standing battles in the Premier League, FA Cup, and beyond, their story offers drama, goals, and tactical showdowns.
Early Encounters: Setting the Stage
The Dawn of Competition (1900s–1920s)
Manchester United and Fulham first crossed swords in the early 20th century, laying the foundation for their rivalry. In January 1905, they clashed in the FA Cup’s seventh qualifying round, a thrilling trio of matches. Fulham, then a Southern League side, stunned United with a 1-0 victory in the second replay. This early upset showcased Fulham’s ability to challenge bigger clubs. By 1908, they met again in the FA Cup, with Fulham securing another win at Craven Cottage. These initial encounters established Fulham as a pesky opponent, even as United began their ascent.
The teams met sporadically in league play during the 1920s. For instance, a 1922 league match ended in a 1-1 draw, reflecting the competitive balance of the era. However, United’s growing dominance in English football started to tilt the scales. Their ambition and resources contrasted with Fulham’s scrappy underdog spirit, setting up a dynamic that would persist for decades.
Post-War Clashes (1940s–1960s)
After World War II, both clubs experienced fluctuating fortunes. Manchester United, under managers like Matt Busby, built a powerhouse, while Fulham oscillated between divisions. During the 1950s and 1960s, their meetings grew more frequent, especially in the old First Division. A notable 1962 match saw United thrash Fulham 5-2 at Old Trafford, with goals from Bobby Charlton and Denis Law dazzling the crowd. Fulham, however, occasionally struck back, like their 2-0 win at Old Trafford in 1963, a rare triumph that thrilled their fans.
These decades highlighted United’s attacking flair against Fulham’s dogged defending. Players like George Best for United and Johnny Haynes for Fulham became symbols of their clubs’ identities. Although United often held the upper hand, Fulham’s knack for upsets kept the rivalry intriguing. By the late 1960s, Fulham’s relegation to lower divisions paused their top-flight battles, but the stage was set for future drama.
Premier League Era: A New Chapter
United’s Dominance (1990s–2000s)
When the Premier League launched in 1992, Manchester United, led by Sir Alex Ferguson, became England’s dominant force. Fulham, meanwhile, climbed back to the top flight by 2001 under Jean Tigana. Their return sparked a new phase of rivalry, though United’s star-studded squads often overwhelmed the Cottagers. For example, in December 2001, United crushed Fulham 3-0 at Craven Cottage, with Ruud van Nistelrooy scoring twice. Such results became common, as United’s firepower proved relentless.
Yet Fulham had their moments. In October 2003, they held United to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, with Lee Clark’s goal frustrating the Red Devils. This period saw United’s attacking trio of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ryan Giggs shine, while Fulham relied on players like Louis Saha, who later joined United. Despite United’s 26 wins in 36 Premier League meetings, Fulham’s occasional draws and rare victories added spice to the fixture.
Fulham’s Fightback (2009–2014)
The late 2000s and early 2010s marked a golden era for Fulham under Roy Hodgson and later Martin Jol. In December 2009, Fulham pulled off a stunning 3-0 win over United at Craven Cottage. Goals from Danny Murphy, Bobby Zamora, and Damien Duff silenced the champions, showcasing Fulham’s tactical discipline. This victory, their first league win over United since 1963, sent shockwaves through the Premier League.
However, United often responded with vengeance. In August 2012, they edged Fulham 3-2 at Old Trafford, with Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa scoring. The match typified United’s ability to grind out results, even when Fulham played well. By 2014, Fulham’s relegation halted their top-flight clashes, but their spirited performances left a mark. Fans still recall David Moyes’ United drawing 2-2 at Old Trafford in February 2014, with Darren Bent’s late equalizer stealing a point for Fulham.
Recent Battles: 2020s Resurgence
Fulham’s Return and United’s Transition (2020–2023)
Fulham’s yo-yo status between the Premier League and Championship saw them return in 2020, reigniting the rivalry. In January 2021, United won 2-1 at Craven Cottage, with Paul Pogba’s long-range strike sealing the victory. This match reflected United’s inconsistency under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as Fulham’s high press caused problems. Later, in May 2021, a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford showed Fulham’s growing confidence, with Joe Bryan’s goal matching Edinson Cavani’s chip.
The 2022–23 season brought more fireworks. In November 2022, United snatched a 2-1 win at Craven Cottage, thanks to Alejandro Garnacho’s stoppage-time goal. However, the FA Cup quarter-final in March 2023 turned chaotic. United trailed 1-0 until Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic, Willian, and manager Marco Silva received red cards. United capitalized, winning 3-1 with two goals from Bruno Fernandes. This stormy match underscored the intensity of their modern encounters.
2023–2024: Upsets and Resilience
The 2023–24 season delivered one of Fulham’s biggest moments against United. On February 24, 2024, they secured a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford, their first league win there since 2003. Calvin Bassey opened the scoring, and Alex Iwobi’s stoppage-time goal clinched the upset, despite Harry Maguire’s late equalizer. This defeat stung United, who were chasing a Champions League spot under Erik ten Hag. Fulham’s fans celebrated wildly, knowing such wins were rare.
United bounced back in their next meeting. On November 4, 2023, they won 1-0 at Craven Cottage, with Bruno Fernandes scoring in added time. This tight contest showed both teams’ evolution—United’s reliance on late goals and Fulham’s stubborn defending. By the season’s end, United’s 2-1 win at Old Trafford in May 2023 reinforced their edge, but Fulham’s competitiveness kept the rivalry alive.
2024–2025: Latest Clashes
The 2024–25 Premier League season kicked off with Manchester United hosting Fulham on August 16, 2024. New signing Joshua Zirkzee made an instant impact, scoring a late winner for a 1-0 victory. Despite Fulham’s chances, with Bernd Leno saving shots from Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount, United’s substitutes turned the tide. This match highlighted United’s depth under new manager Ruben Amorim, who replaced ten Hag.
On January 26, 2025, United faced Fulham at Craven Cottage in a gritty affair. Lisandro Martinez’s deflected long-range shot gave United a 1-0 win, their eighth consecutive league victory at Fulham’s ground. Fulham pushed hard, with Alex Iwobi and Raul Jimenez testing Andre Onana, but United’s defense held firm. A late goal-line clearance by Toby Collyer preserved the clean sheet, though VAR disallowed an Amad Diallo goal for offside. This result moved United to 12th in the table, while Fulham stayed ninth.
Their most recent clash came in the FA Cup fifth round on March 2, 2025. After a 1-1 draw, Fulham triumphed 4-3 on penalties, knocking United out. This dramatic match, marked by semi-automated offside technology, saw both teams trade blows. Fulham’s composure in the shootout stunned United’s fans, giving the Cottagers a rare cup victory over their rivals.
Key Players and Moments
Manchester United’s Legends
Manchester United’s history against Fulham features iconic names. Wayne Rooney, with 10 goals in this fixture, terrorized Fulham’s defense during the 2000s. Cristiano Ronaldo added seven goals, his flair overwhelming opponents. In recent years, Bruno Fernandes has been pivotal, scoring crucial goals like his brace in the 2023 FA Cup tie. Defenders like Lisandro Martinez also stepped up, with his 2025 strike proving decisive.
Fulham’s Heroes
Fulham’s standout performers include Bobby Zamora, whose 2009 goal sparked their famous win. Alex Iwobi’s stoppage-time heroics in 2024 cemented his place in club lore. Goalkeeper Bernd Leno has been a constant thorn, making stunning saves against United’s attackers. These players embody Fulham’s fighting spirit, even when the odds favor United.
Unforgettable Matches
Certain games define this rivalry. Fulham’s 3-0 win in 2009 remains a high point, showcasing their potential to shock. United’s 5-0 thrashing in December 2011, with goals from Danny Welbeck and Dimitar Berbatov, displayed their ruthlessness. The 2023 FA Cup chaos, with Fulham’s red cards and United’s comeback, ranks among the most dramatic. Each match adds a new chapter to their saga.
FAQs About Manchester United vs. Fulham
1. What is the overall head-to-head record between Manchester United and Fulham?
Manchester United holds a commanding lead, winning 58 of their 93 competitive meetings across all competitions. Fulham has claimed 15 victories, with 20 matches ending in draws. In the Premier League alone, United has won 26 of 36 encounters, showcasing their dominance. However, Fulham’s occasional upsets, like their 2009 and 2024 wins, keep the rivalry unpredictable.
2. Which match is considered the most iconic between these two teams?
Blake The 2009 Premier League match, where Fulham won 3-0 at Craven Cottage, stands out as a defining moment. Goals from Danny Murphy, Bobby Zamora, and Damien Duff humiliated a strong United side. Another contender is the 2023 FA Cup quarter-final, with Fulham’s collapse after red cards and United’s 3-1 comeback, making it a chaotic classic.
3. Who are the top goalscorers in this fixture?
Harriet Robson Wayne Rooney leads the charts with 10 goals for Manchester United against Fulham, his clinical finishing proving lethal. Ruud van Nistelrooy followed with eight, while Cristiano Ronaldo scored seven. For Fulham, players like Bobby Zamora and Alex Iwobi have delivered crucial goals, but no single Cottager dominates the scoring records.
To read more, Click Here
