Arbeloa accuses referees of favouring Man Utd after Cunha's late equaliser denies Fulham

Alvaro Arbeloa launched a remarkable attack on match officials after Fulham were denied a first Premier League win under his management, claiming referees do not want Manchester United to lose following Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage.

Listandro Martinez’s own goal had given Fulham the lead and appeared to be sending them to a long-awaited victory, only for Matheus Cunha’s deflected effort deep into the second half to rescue a point for United.

Arbeloa was particularly incensed by a challenge from Harry Maguire in the moments immediately before Cunha’s equaliser, insisting it should have been called as a foul. “There were so many things for them, you can see it in the foul by Maguire,” the Fulham head coach said. “Every decision was for them. I knew after the game against Manchester City that they don’t like Manchester United to lose.”

The Spaniard was careful to acknowledge his side’s performance, however, pointing to the quality of opposition Fulham have faced across their opening fixtures. “If you see our first five games we have already played Man Utd, Chelsea, at Anfield, at Sunderland,” he said. “We have shown the team we want to be and if we play in this way the victories will come.”

Arbeloa also expressed belief that United would recover their form as the season progresses. “For me they will be near the top of the league by the end of the season,” he added.

Fulham remain without a Premier League win under Arbeloa and will now wait until after the international break for their next opportunity, when they host newly-promoted Ipswich Town. The manager described October as a crucial period for his side’s development.