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.
Erik ten Hag believes to offset the 68 goals scored by Premier League hero, a £50 million defender must be unlished
A victory is imperative for Manchester United going into tonight’s pivotal Champions League matchup against Galatasaray.
Manchester United, who have only won once in their last four group stage games, are in danger of losing out on elimination from the Champions League following their strange 4-3 defeat to FC Copenhagen.
Erik ten Hag’s United sit bottom of the group, but if FC Copenhagen loses against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, the Red Devils would advance with two wins in their last two group games.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka needed
At Goodison Park, Aaron Wan-Bissaka began the Red Devils’ 3-0 victory over Sean Dyche’s Everton team as a substitute.
After just three minutes, Alejandro Garnacho’s incredible overhead kick was the result of Diogo Dalot’s pass for the right-back who had begun for United.
Ten Hag may have made a wise decision by resting the Portuguese defender and adding Wan-Bissaka in an attempt to contain former United winger Wilfried Zaha, who scored 68 goals in the Premier League while he was an English player.
In Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory on matchday two at Old Trafford, the former Crystal Palace winger scored. Dalot’s shoddy defense let the Ivorian score past André Onana.
Wan-Bissaka working to secure first-team spot
Dalot has played well most of the season, even with the error he made against the Turkish team at Old Trafford.
With just a year remaining on his deal, Wan-Bissaka may be fighting for his job because Ten Hag and the Portuguese defender appear to be coming back to him as the first choice in that position.
Regarding his relationship with the Dutchman, the Portugal international told club media back in August, “He’s been having a really good impact on my career, especially since he came in, he gives me a lot of confidence.”
The English defender appears to have a lot of work ahead of him to win back the Dutchman’s confidence, but if last season’s performances are any indication
If the Englishman starts the game and nullifies Zaha then expect him to be seen in the lineup for Saturday’s crucial game against Newcastle United.
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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