Arbeloa Claims Referees ‘Don’t Like Man United To Lose’

Fulham head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has claimed referees ‘don’t like Manchester United to lose’ after his side were held to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

Fulham looked set for a first victory of the Premier League season after Lisandro Martinez’s own goal put them ahead in the 63rd minute.

But Matheus Cunha’s deflected late strike rescued a point for United, extending their unbeaten run at Craven Cottage to 11 matches.

Arbeloa was unhappy with several decisions during the game and suggested United’s controversial defeat by Manchester City had influenced the officiating against Fulham.

‘We were so, so close. We were a little unlucky again, but we knew it was going to be difficult against a big team and we have seen what the referee has been doing through the match,’ Arbeloa told Sky Sports.

‘There were so many things for them. You can see it in the foul by Harry Maguire. Every decision was for them.

‘I knew after the game against Manchester City that they don’t like Manchester United to lose.’

Despite his frustration, the Spaniard praised his players for their performance against United.

‘I think we did a good game. Obviously, it was not an easy game for us. We were in the bottom position but we showed personality with the ball and 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 had to control the space behind our midfielders.

‘They sometimes found the spaces. It is a difficult match against a big team and, for me, they will be near the top of the league by the end of the season.’

Fulham remain without a win after five matches, having already faced United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Sunderland.