Both men spoke after a game Fulham led through Lisandro Martínez's 63rd-minute own goal, only for Matheus Cunha's heavily deflected shot to level it in the 89th minute. The result left Fulham without a league win after five games under Arbeloa, with two draws and three defeats, although ESPN's match analysis had the sides almost level on expected goals, 1.57 to 1.59.
Leno had spent much of the afternoon keeping United out, making a series of saves to deny Bryan Mbeumo and Cunha before that late deflection beat him. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said:
“It hurts... but there are still a lot of positive things to take from the game.
“I know Manchester United have a lot of individual quality, I have played against them for many years and know them really well.
"I know to be alert in case they shoot from distance. When you make some saves in the game you feel very focused. Unfortunately I couldn't keep out the goal but that is football.”
Bassey was involved in both of the game's defining moments. His low drive was parried by Senne Lammens, and the rebound struck Martínez on its way in. In the 86th minute he was at the centre of a United handball appeal, and the Premier League later confirmed that referee Peter Bankes' no-penalty decision had been checked and upheld by VAR.
Bassey told BBC Match of the Day:
“It was a frustrating game, I thought we did a lot of things right. We couldn't find the second goal. We had periods when we didn't have the ball and were fighting, getting blocks in. Obviously they had a bit of luck and got the deflection for the goal.
“It was probably a good game to watch for the fans, but it's frustrating. We are improving. Three or four more minutes and we would have had our first win. It was a game of luck, we both had it on our side. It is what it is.”
Alvaro Arbeloa was appointed in July on a three-year deal, and Leno was asked about how the team has developed under him:
“I think you could see the more we play, the more control we have. In the first couple of games we were too emotional. You can't change things in one or two months, it takes time. We are much more balanced now.
“A lot of positive things to take, and still a lot of improvement. The team is alive, it is fighting, it is running. You can see how we play and it is very positive. With our new manager and philosophy I think we will win games. Then the confidence will come.”
Fulham's next chance to end the wait comes at Ipswich Town on 10 October.