Martinez gives Manchester United a crucial three points at Craven Cottage.

Toby Collyer's header off the line in the 89th minute and Lisandro Martinez's deftly deflected shot gave Manchester United a rare Premier League victory under Ruben Amorim. The 1-0 victory at Fulham moved them up to 12th place in the standings.

United was getting bodies behind the ball and using it in an uninspired manner, which was causing the game to end in a boring stalemate. It wasn't until the 42nd minute that they had a chance. It was the lowest total for a Premier League game this season, with both clubs scoring 13 points in the entire game.

However, with twelve minutes remaining, Martinez's effort from the box's edge brushed Bernd Leno's fingertips as it looped up off Sasa Lukic and fell in beneath the bar. United's first attempt was on goal. Martinez had escaped penalty for a two-footed challenge on Adama Traore earlier in that half, so there was some controversy around the goal scorer as well.

As the clock ran out, 21-year-old Collyer had to drop back to head away Joachim Andersen's attempt from a corner in order for United to win. The youthful substitute was surrounded by teammates who hurried to join in the celebration.

Amad Diallo's celebrations were cut short by a VAR offside judgement after Rodrigo Muniz blasted over from six yards out in stoppage time, giving United another letoff.

Amorim would have been relieved to celebrate Premier League victory number four out of twelve attempts with Sir Jim Ratcliffe watching from Craven Cottage, since he had declared prior to the game that the outcome was more significant than the performance. Regarding the performance, there was still much room for improvement.

The travelling supporters screamed, "Attack, attack, attack," as United appeared content to take a break from the game throughout the first forty-five minutes as they sat on the ball at the back. They appeared to be lacking confidence, which makes sense given that they had dropped six of their previous nine league games. For now, though, these three points will improve the atmosphere.

Fulham will feel like they were cheated, but by the time United broke the tie, their first-half energy from Alex Iwobi and Raul Jimenez had drained out, and even though they had scored twice in their last five league games, they were unable to force a late comeback. Marco Silva's team remains in tenth place.

Amorim: We battled for the victory despite a lacklustre showing.
United manager Ruben Amorim:

"We're having a good day. We gave the players some time to comprehend the game and to have that little bit of luck that you sometimes need to win a football game, even though it wasn't a spectacular effort. a spotless record. Let's carry this emotion into the upcoming match.

"We lost a few games in the end, but no one gave a damn because the outcome is what matters. I recall opportunities we lost to Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest. We need to do much better because we didn't play with the ball very well.

Silva: We weren't worthy of losing Fulham as our boss. Marco Silva

"The outcome was harsh to us. We were obviously the team with greater control in the first half, so we got off to a strong start. In the first half, we produced enough opportunities to score. Throughout the first half, I can't recall a single instance of danger from them.

"There was greater balance in the second half. We didn't play well in the second half. An extremely unfortunate goal. There was a response from us. In the last few minutes, they arrived with the low block and players gathered around the box. Football is like that, but the outcome is not what we deserved from the match."

Analysis: A sense of victory, but United's issues are still evident

Before Manchester United's victory at Fulham, Amorim had emphasised the value of the outcome over the performance, and he hopes that the momentum of gaining three points away from home will help his team.

For the most part of this match, they certainly appeared to need one. United's cautious approach was evident as they sought the safe choice while in control and defended in numbers. Fulham's pregame ranking as the favourite was noteworthy, as the visitors lived up to their underdog status.

The issues Amorim needs to address will not be obscured by this outcome. He pointed out the lack of effort in the latter third and the unanswered questions surrounding Hojlund and Zirkzee, his replacement. They might be able to sell Alejandro Garnacho before the deadline, but he seemed the most likely to add some spark to an otherwise lacklustre attack. Fulham nearly revealed that well-known United weakness late on, despite their own dismal attacking set-piece record.

However, United may have an opportunity to establish some positive momentum to enhance their short-term perspective with a Europa League trip to Bucharest on Thursday, followed by FA Cup home games against Crystal Palace and Leicester. The larger picture is still a significant work in progress.