Arbeloa Softens Referee Criticism After Fulham Draw at Manchester United

Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa softened his criticism of referee Michael Oliver after the 1-1 draw at Manchester United, saying frustration had affected his immediate reaction to the late equaliser.

Arbeloa retreats from officiating claim

Arbeloa initially argued that United received too many decisions after Matheus Cunha’s deflected effort in the 89th minute denied Fulham victory.

The Fulham boss was particularly unhappy with a free-kick given for Cesar Palacios’ challenge on Harry Maguire near halfway, around 35 seconds before Cunha struck. He suggested the call was light and linked the officiating to the controversy over Erling Haaland’s wrongly awarded Manchester City winner at Old Trafford the previous weekend.

Afterwards, Arbeloa said United had been awarded every foul and claimed his team had been unfortunate to come so close to a major win.

But in his later press conference, the Spaniard stepped back. “My English is not so good,” he said, adding that he may have explained himself badly and would rather avoid discussing referees. Arbeloa said he needed to direct his energy towards Fulham’s performance, systems and the improvements required for the next match.

He accepted that Maguire is physically imposing but maintained the contact may not have warranted a free-kick, while acknowledging that a draw conceded in that manner had left him frustrated.

Maguire foul divides the pundits

Former United captain Ashley Young backed Oliver’s decision, saying Palacios made illegal contact from behind rather than challenging for the ball.

• Young said Maguire used his strength intelligently and waited for Palacios to commit the foul.
• Former Fulham and United forward Louis Saha described the decision as potentially soft but valid.
• Saha said Maguire’s experience and body positioning were crucial, with the defender recognising he could not control the ball cleanly and drawing the contact.

Cunha rescues United late

Fulham had looked set to leave with all three points before Cunha’s 89th-minute shot took a deflection and found the net. The late goal ensured Michael Carrick’s side avoided a third loss during a demanding week.

Neither club gained much breathing space in the Premier League, however.

What happens next

Both teams now enter the international break. Fulham travel to Coventry City on October 10, while Manchester United welcome Tottenham to Old Trafford on the same date.