Fulham boss Arbeloa accuses referee of favouring United after 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage

Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa launched a pointed attack on the referee after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester United at Craven Cottage on Sunday, insisting officials consistently favoured the visitors throughout the match.

United arrived in west London under pressure following back-to-back home defeats to Manchester City and Brighton, and they were made to work hard for their point. Fulham took the lead in the 63rd minute through a Lisandro Martinez own goal, only for Matheus Cunha to level with a deflected effort that denied the hosts what would have been their first win of the Premier League season.

Arbeloa did not hold back after the final whistle. “We were so, so close,” he told the BBC. “We were a little unlucky again but we know it was going to be difficult against a big team and we have seen what the referee has been doing through the match.”

Pressing further on his grievances, the Fulham boss singled out a challenge from Harry Maguire as evidence of what he saw as preferential treatment. “There were so many things for them — you can see it in the foul by Maguire,” he said. “Every decision was for them. I knew after the game against Manchester City that they don’t like Manchester United to lose.”

Despite the frustration, Arbeloa was keen to credit his players’ performance. “I think we did a good game. Obviously not an easy game for us — we were in the bottom position — but we saw personality with the ball, we were brave,” he said. “We wanted to control the transition and the counter-attacks. We know they put too many people inside so we have to control the space behind our midfielders.”

The Fulham manager also offered a generous assessment of United’s prospects for the rest of the campaign. “For me they will be near the top of the league by the end of the season,” he added.

The result leaves Fulham rooted in 19th place in the Premier League table, still searching for their first victory of the season as the competition breaks for the international window.