Bruno Fernandes rescued Manchester United with a stoppage-time strike as Erik ten Hag’s side beat Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday. Express Sport looks at four things learned from a far from convincing but crucial victory in the capital.
Blame culture is rife
TNT Sports commentators Darren Fletcher and Jermaine Jenas pointed out ‘worrying’ gestures among the United players in the second half.
Rasmus Hojlund was spotted moaning at Alejandro Garnacho for failing to find him with a cross, but he wasn’t alone throughout the game.
Both commentators noted that Ten Hag’s players were throwing their arms about and blaming each other as frustrations rose.
But they were all smiles at full-time after Fernandes’ moment of magic. The performance, again, wasn’t there, though.
Hojlund will be frustrated
Hojlund arrived at United with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Unfair on a 20-year-old striker, perhaps. But he cost £72million.
And yet, he hasn’t found the net in eight Premier League games. It’s not all his fault, though. Again, today, service was borderline non-existent.
Antony looks to be an expensive mistake, offering nothing going forward and very little defensively. Garnacho was bright, but he will always look to shoot before crossing.
Hojlund was furious after being replaced in the second half, shouting at the bench with a face of thunder. And you can’t blame him.
Man Utd’s Fulham fun continues
United have historically loved Premier League games. They might have enjoyed this visit a bit more if McTominay’s goal wasn’t cruelly disallowed. Fernandes made sure they did, though.
Saturday’s last-gasp win continued a run of seven consecutive league wins at Craven Cottage. United have only enjoyed a longer such run at West Bromwich Albion between 1984 and 2011.
Ten Hag’s side could finish the Premier League gameweek in sixth if results go their way, with six wins from their opening 11 games and a -4 goal difference.
This result may soothe the mounting pressure Ten Hag has fallen under in recent weeks. But the performance was far from convincing.
