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.
Manchester United
Arsenal, Chelsea, and Man Utd interested in PSG’s star Arsene Wenger compared to Paul Pogba
Arsenal, Chelsea, and Man Utd interested in PSG’s star Arsene Wenger compared to Paul Pogba
The French national team’s senior squad is buzzing with excitement at the call-up of 17-year-old Warren Zaire-Emery. It’s a rare opportunity for a player his age to compete at this level of international football.
Current and former French players from across Europe have their thoughts on the teenager’s call-up. One person who weighed in on the current form of Zaire-Emery is former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger.
The former Gunners boss and now director of global football development at FIFA even compares him to three top-quality French talents: Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kanté, and the most flattering comparison, Patrick Vieira.
“He has something of the power of Paul Pogba but also points in common with N’Golo Kanté in his ability to recover balls,” Wenger said (h/t Paris Fans).
“Zaire-Emery is a bit of a mix of the two, a combination of the two 2018 world champions, with his ability to win duels without making a mistake and to project himself forward by making people appreciate his great vision of the game. He has a little Patrick [Vieira] thing, too—a box-to-box midfielder, as the English say (complete, capable of defending and scoring).”
If the midfielder maintains his current level of performance, he may soon become a regular member of the first-team squad instead of being considered for the youth teams. PSG manager Luis Enrique has entrusted him with the responsibility of leading the midfield, and he shows no signs of giving up that position anytime soon.
France is set to play two matches, one against Gibraltar on November 18 and another against Greece on November 21. It will be interesting to see how much playing time Zaire-Emery will get and whether he will be given a starting position, given that France has already secured a spot in the 2024 UEFA Euro.
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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.
- Getty Images
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.
- Getty Images
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.
- Getty Images
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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