Bruno Fernandes stepped up in the nick of time for Manchester United as the captain’s last-minute goal secured a 1-0 win over Fulham that will ease the pressure on under-fire manager Erik ten Hag somewhat.
Man Utd could have a new Paul Scholes after Kobbie Mainoo receives the greatest accolades
If Kobbie Mainoo’s performance in Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Everton is any indication, he has a bright future at Manchester United. And following his performance at Goodison Park, he was the focus of what is likely the best recommendation a young United midfield player can get.
After recovering from a lengthy preseason injury, Erik ten Hag gave Mainoo his first Premier League start as the Red Devils looked for their fourth straight league away victory.
They cruised to another three points through Alejandro Garnacho’s bicycle kick, Marcus Rashford’s penalty and Anthony Martial’s ninth goal in 16 appearances against Everton.
Mainoo played 72 minutes before making way for Sofyan Amrabat, leaving viewers gasping for more ahead of Wednesday’s must-win Champions League trip to Galatasaray.
And after full-time, legendary United captain Roy Keane hailed the 18-year-old’s performance at a difficult stadium to visit.
“He looked like he always had time on the ball. What a performance. The club thinks highly of him. The manager must trust him,” Keane told Sky Sports.
“Good luck to the kid. He was outstanding. Let’s hope he stays injury-free; he looked like a Man United type player.”
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Kobbie Mainoo shone bright in Man Utd’s Everton win. (Image: Getty)
Karen Carney weighed in on the praise in the studio, highlighting Mainoo’s composure as an impressive aspect of his display on Merseyside.
She added: “He was really composed. He was brave and nice and steady. That holding midfielder position is so vital. For an 18-year-old to glide past players at times…
“Sometimes he held on to it too long, but it was a fantastic performance. He has a bright future ahead.”
Mainoo also left a mark on his manager, who watched the match from the Goodison Park directors’ box as he served a one-game suspension for three yellow cards.
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Man Utd icon Roy Keane heaped praise on Kobbie Mainoo. (Image: Getty)
“We know we’re in a transition. We have to develop players. Kids have to deserve it,” Ten Hag explained after his side won for the fifth time in six Premier League outings.
“It was painful for us when he got a bad injury in pre-season, but now he’s back. He’s a good boy, very mature. He showed it today.”
Ten Hag may not risk Mainoo with back-to-back starts against Galatasaray in midweek, given he has only recently returned from an extended period on the sidelines.
But the United No 37 could be one of the first names on his teamsheets for the third crucial away trip in a seven-day period at Newcastle United on Saturday.
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Man Utd player ratings vs Fulham: Bruno Fernandes finds a vital late winner – but concerns around Antony and Christian Eriksen remain
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United would have felt aggrieved had they not won after Scott McTominay had an early goal controversially ruled out after Harry Maguire was adjudged to be offside and interfering with play despite failing to make contact with Christian Eriksen’s free-kick in the build-up.
From there, the Red Devils created little of note, and were indebted to goalkeeper Andre Onana, who made two quickfire saves to deny Harry Wilson and Joao Palhinha just after the hour mark as Marco Silva’s side looked to take the initiative.
That was as close as the home side came, however, and it was left to Fernandes to produce the decisive moment, as his low shot from the edge of the penalty area made its way into the bottom corner as Bernd Leno tried in vain to keep it out.
GOAL rates United’s players from Craven Cottage…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (7/10):
Barely called upon until the middle of the second half, but made strong saves from both Wilson and Palhinha. Distribution continues to improve.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (6/10):
Looked half-a-yard off it at times in his first start since recovering from injury. Made a couple of vital interventions, though.
Harry Maguire (6/10):
Questions will be asked of whether he should have stayed on amid concern for a head injury, but put a solid shift in defensively while trying to spark attacks while in possession.
Jonny Evans (6/10):
Fulham didn’t offer much of a threat but the veteran stood up well to what was thrown at him.
Diogo Dalot (6/10):
Bounced back from his dreadful showing in midweek and combined well with Garnacho down the left. Excellent clearance denied Wilson a clear shot on goal in the first half.
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Midfield
Christian Eriksen (3/10):
A real concern. Constantly gave the ball away in midfield and then didn’t have the pace to get back and stop Fulham counter-attacks. Set-piece delivery just about the only plus point.
Scott McTominay (7/10):
Unfortunate to have his early goal ruled out for offside, but didn’t let it affect him. Energetic presence caused problems in attack and worked hard defensively.
Bruno Fernandes (7/10):
Not able to have the influence on the game that United needed for much of the afternoon, but popped up with the last-minute winner to send the away fans into raptures.
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Attack
Antony (3/10):
Continues to offer next to nothing. Wasteful when in good attacking positions while he might as well not have bothered when it came to his defensive responsibilities. Surely must be running out of chances.
Rasmus Hojlund (5/10):
Received next to no service, and thus his reaction to being substituted can be understood. Tried to hold the ball up when asked to, but needs more help from those around him.
Alejandro Garnacho (7/10):
Bright on his return to the ground where he truly announced himself last season and unfortunate his controlled assist for McTominay’s disallowed goal was ruled out. Probably deserves more starting opportunities going forward.
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Subs & Manager
Facundo Pellistri (7/10):
Replaced Antony and produced some nice touches and got a shot in on goal. Determination to win the ball deep in the Fulham half eventually led to United’s winner.
Mason Mount (5/10):
First touch was a misplaced through-ball for Garnacho, which just about sums up his United career so far.
Anthony Martial (6/10):
Saw an acrobatic volley drop just wide shortly after replacing Hojlund for the final 10 minutes.
Raphael Varane (N/A):
On in injury-time to help shore up the defence.
Erik ten Hag (4/10):
The win was there for the taking but Ten Hag’s inability to set up a functional midfield and insistence on picking Antony left United short of cutting edge. Got out of jail by his captain Fernandes.
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