Man Utd Held by Fulham, Everton Triumph in Stadium Opener

MANCHESTER: Manchester United’s search for a first Premier League win of the season continued with a 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday, while Jack Grealish inspired Everton to a 2-0 victory over Brighton in the first competitive match at their new stadium.

Ruben Amorim’s United were left to rue Bruno Fernandes’ missed first-half penalty as they were pegged back at Craven Cottage. Rodrigo Muniz’s own-goal gave the visitors the lead on the hour mark, but substitute Emile Smith Rowe struck late to salvage a point for Fulham.

United, who finished a disappointing 15th last season, have invested £200 million in forwards Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. Yet their frontline is still misfiring, with Sesko once again starting from the bench. After last week’s narrow defeat to Arsenal, Amorim’s side were left frustrated at dropping another two points.

Fulham, however, felt hard done by two controversial calls. United’s penalty was awarded after a VAR review for Calvin Bassey’s tussle with Mason Mount, but Fernandes fired over from the spot. Their opening goal came in fortuitous fashion as Leny Yoro’s header deflected in off Muniz, though Fulham argued Yoro had fouled Bassey in the build-up. Smith Rowe eventually punished United’s lapse in marking, turning in Alex Iwobi’s cross 17 minutes from time.

Everton’s new era
Everton began life at their new 53,000-capacity stadium with a win that they hope marks a step away from recent struggles. After bidding farewell to Goodison Park — their home since 1892 — the Toffees are looking to revive past glories, having last lifted a major trophy in 1995.

“We’re trying to find a way of moving the club on. I think this is a big step forward for Everton,” said manager David Moyes.

Grealish, the club’s marquee signing, delivered on his debut by assisting both goals. Iliman Ndiaye wrote his name into history with the first strike at the new stadium, finishing Grealish’s cross at the back post after 23 minutes.

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Brighton were wasteful in attack, with Kaoru Mitoma hitting the bar, Jan Paul van Hecke striking the post, and Danny Welbeck missing a gilt-edged chance. Everton capitalised as James Garner doubled the lead with a thunderous effort from Grealish’s lay-off. Jordan Pickford later preserved the clean sheet by saving Welbeck’s penalty.

Forest uncertainty
Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest drew 1-1 at Crystal Palace as Callum Hudson-Odoi cancelled out Ismaila Sarr’s opener.

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo, under pressure amid reports of strained relations with owner Evangelos Marinakis, dismissed speculation about his future. “That is nonsense. That does not make any kind of sense,” the Portuguese coach said, rejecting claims he was seeking an exit.