Manchester United scored another late winner to overcome Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday, here’s six things we learned.
Apart from the early goal which was later ruled out due to a Harry Maguire offside, little attacking threat came from United.
The performance was flat, despite the pre-game feeling that a huge response was needed by United.
In the end, Bruno Fernandes saved the day and scored from outside the box with a brilliant finish, much to the delight of Erik ten Hag.
Here are six things we learned…
Bruno Fernandes saves Ten Hag
The game seemed to be gone, with a 0-0 in the script, but team captain Bruno Fernandes had other plans .
In stoppage time at the end of the game, Fernandes picked the ball up after a bit of pin-ball and placed it into the bottom corner. A real moment of brilliance by the captain.
A crucial goal for United and Ten Hag after a really poor game. Huge three points.
Shocking VAR decision
Manchester United scored in the opening 10 minutes but despite Harry Maguire not touching the ball and clearly not being the target of the pass, he was determined to be offside.
Alejandro Garnacho was the one who received the pass and assisted the goal but still, it was ruled offside.
Ridiculous decision which will no doubt be much discussed over the coming week. VAR needs to sort itself out as it’s almost weekly United are victims of poor decisions.
We look like a mid-table side
Against Fulham wasn’t as bad as Newcastle and Man City, but we were just so utterly meh.
We offered nothing in the way of creating chances barring a long ball or set pieces, similar to how a Sheffield United would.
There’s no sign of improvement at all, or even of Erik ten Hag attempting to switch things up which is what is most concerning.
Harry Maguire solid again
Maguire was once again amongst the best players in red on the pitch and looked very assured in defence.
This was despite an early scare, after taking a knock on the head which was repeatedly checked on throughout the game.
Despite potentially nursing a sore head, he was solid and without him there, Fulham could’ve made good on one of their numerous attacks.
Garnacho and Hojlund bright sparks
Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund are the two youngest on the pitch yet somehow are by far most dangerous.
Both on multiple occasions took matters into their own hands and tried to make things happen to no avail, but the intent was there.
Garnacho in particular offered so much more than his competition does in Marcus Rashford.
There is a real chance he will take the Englishman’s place going forward.
No improvement despite win
After back-to-back 3-0 defeats, we all wanted to see a performance which shows effort, improvement and that we are on the right track. We didn’t see any of that though.
Yes, we won, but the performance was really concerning, and it does feel like papering over the cracks.
Bruno Fernandes stole the three points at the end but concerns will still be rife amongst the fanbase.
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