Manchester United suffers embarrassing defeat
Without their star striker from Denmark and their reliable left-back, United lacked bite and were rightly beaten by Silva’s team, who had not tasted victory on the road for more than half a year.
United’s recent good form seemed to crumble under the pressure of a couple of injuries, as they suffered their first loss of 2024 at home to a Fulham team who had not won away since the first game of the season.
United started slowly and failed to find the net in the first half for the first time in eight games. Dalot hit the woodwork, but Fulham were more threatening, with Iwobi wasting two chances and Muniz hitting the post.
Fulham took the lead deservedly in the second half with a powerful strike from Bassey, and United had only a few opportunities to score until Maguire scored from close range in the 89th minute. With nine minutes of added time and Fernandes rallying the fans, Fulham braced themselves for a final assault.
The London team had the final say, as Iwobi finally scored on his third attempt and put the ball in the bottom corner after United failed to stop a counter-attack from the visitors.
Ten Hag’s team is now eight points behind Aston Villa, who are fourth, and could be six points behind Tottenham, who are fifth if Tottenham wins their extra game. They have a huge challenge ahead of them if they want to make it to the Champions League.
Manchester United players rating against Fulham
GOAL evaluates United’s players from Old Trafford…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (7/10):
Saved a header from Lukic and a curler from Pereira. Had no chance to stop Bassey’s rocket.
Diogo Dalot (6/10):
Hit the post from the edge of the box. Crossing was poor and couldn’t get past Robinson.
Raphael Varane (5/10):
Iwobi ran rings around him in the first half
Harry Maguire (6/10):
Got a yellow card for a late and reckless tackle on Lukic, but stopped Fulham from creating more trouble. Scored the equaliser but was then easily beaten on the break before Iwobi scored the winner.
Victor Lindelof (5/10):
A big drop-off from Shaw. Gave nothing in attack and too easy for Fulham to get by. Midfield
Kobbie Mainoo (5/10):
Made some good tackles to stop Fulham but not as confident or influential as in recent games.
Casemiro (5/10):
Made a stupid mistake against Lukic which gave Fulham a counterattack. His day was cut short after a head clash with the Serbian midfielder.
Bruno Fernandes (5/10):
Another poor display in what has become a worrying slump for the captain. Failed to control a pass that would have put him through on goal and created very few good moments, apart from a late burst that saw him assist the equalizer and force Leno into a low save. Attack
Omari Forson (4/10):
A tough first start and couldn’t do anything in attack. He did look neat though, and could be better in a midfield role.
Marcus Rashford (4/10):
Another dismal display at center-forward and it's annoying how this potential superstar ends up with a match rating of only 4. offering none of the hold-up play of Hojlund or the hard work. Shied away from a 50-50 ball in the first half which led to a big chance for Fulham.
Alejandro Garnacho (7/10):
The only United outfield player who can hold their head high. Tested Leno with a powerful shot and had another shot blocked by Robinson.
Subs & Manager Scott McTominay (5/10):
Brought on earlier than usual due to Casemiro’s head injury. Hardly got a touch of danger.
Christian Eriksen (6/10):
Made his first appearance since January 14 and at first was slow and sloppy. Got more effective in the final few minutes.
Amad Diallo (N/A):
Came on for Mainoo in the 80th minute.
Antony (N/A):
Entered in the 98th minute.
Erik ten Hag (5/10):
Made a bold move in starting 19-year-old Forson but it backfired. His substitutions helped get the equaliser, but his team looked frail with just a couple of injuries.
Conclusion
Without Rasmus Hojlund, United were hopeless! Bruno Fernandes disappoints and Marcus Rashford is terrible as Erik ten Hag’s Champions League dreams are shattered by a painful loss.
