Bruno Fernandes fired home an injury-time winner to secure a much-needed victory for Manchester United at Fulham.
United came into the Craven Cottage clash under a cloud after the midweek Carabao Cup defeat at home to Newcastle.
They were quiet for long periods of the game but a moment of brilliance from skipper Fernandes, who came in for criticism from former United players after the Newcastle loss, gave manager Erik ten Hag a welcome three points.
Fernandes evaded attempts to close him down on the edge of the penalty area before placing his shot beyond Fulham keeper Bernd Leno.
United thought they had taken a 1-0 lead after eight minutes but VAR ruled out Scott McTominay’s effort for offside.
The Scot tapped in Alejandro Garnacho’s cut back but referee John Brooks overturned the goal after VAR ruled Harry Maguire had interfered with play from an offside position.
The decision was a wake-up call for the hosts who were looking to build on Wednesday’s last-16 3-1 Carabao Cup victory at Ipswich.
Craven Cottage was fired up and Willian dragged the Cottagers up the pitch with a slaloming run but his effort was blocked at the last moment.
The Brazilian was Fulham’s main creative outlet in the final third and in the 27th minute he produced a delightful cross, but, in keeping with Fulham’s season so far, no striker was there to finish at the back post.
Nigeria international Alex Iwobi marauded from his own half into United’s box but was wasteful in front of goal, failing to hit the target.
The hangover from United’s back-to-back 3-0 home defeats against Manchester City and Newcastle was clear to see as ten Hag’s side lacked intensity, with Fernandes’ skewed added time cross summing up their first-half efforts.
The visitors searched for a way into the game after halftime through Garnacho who enjoyed touches in promising areas before a dangerous cross was tipped over by Leno.
Momentum shifted in Fulham’s favour on the hour. Iwobi picked out Harry Wilson who tried from range with a powerful outside of the boot effort but he was denied by United keeper Andre Onana.
The Cottagers also came close from the following set-piece when last week’s goal scorer Joao Palhinha failed to keep his effort down as Onana made another save to maintain the deadlock.
The minutes ebbed away and substitutions from both sides sapped the games’ intensity before Fernandes’ free-kick in the 83rd minute gave United hope late on.
The Portuguese midfielder had not been heavily involved but showed what he is capable of when he struck a dipped free-kick towards Leno’s bottom corner and the Fulham keeper did well to prevent United edging in front.
But there was no denying Fernandes in added time. He combined with Rasmus Hojlund and jinked inside onto his preferred right foot before unleashing a powerful shot that proved too much for Leno, who could only palm it into his bottom corner.
[(Fluminense (RJ)) Strength]: 1. Everaldo Stum scored the only goal in the last game, helping his side take all 3 points and showing his outstanding performances.2. Fluminense (RJ) scored in each of the previous 4 games, revealing a stable offensive end.3. Fluminense (RJ) won 1-0 over Gremio FBPA in the last game, securing a winning streak in domestic matches lately.4. Fluminense (RJ) secured a 2-...
[(Atlanta United FC) Strength]: 1. Atlanta United FC lost two Leagues Cup games and failed to advance. But the team still desire to win in this home game.2. Emmanuel Latte scored a goal in the last game, showing his outstanding form.[(Atlanta United FC) Neutral]: 1. Atlanta United FC scored 9 goals and conceded 13 in the last 5 games, boasting excellent attack but poor defense.2. Both sides have n...
[(Seattle Sounders FC) Strength]: 1. Seattle Sounders FC currently top the group, winning both of their two group matches in the Leagues Cup this season. They have scored nine goals and conceded one goal in two group matches. Seattle Sounders FC are currently in top form and highly motivated.2. Seattle Sounders FC forward Pedro De la Vega performed outstandingly in this Leagues Cup with consistent...
[(Palmeiras) Strength]: 1. Palmeiras are currently trailing in the score, so they will undoubtedly go all out for a comeback in this home match, showing strong determination to win.2. Palmeiras' Jose Lopez scored in the last game, showing commendable performances.3. Palmeiras won the last 2 home games and remained unbeaten in the last four, performing outstandingly at home.4. The AH line is -1.00 ...
[(Orlando City) Strength]: 1. Orlando City are 6th with 4 points in the table. They have to go all out for a win in this game to secure a qualification spot, indicating strong motivation.2. Martin Ojeda scored a goal and made an assist in the last game, helping the team win.3. Orlando City won 3-1 over Atlas in the last game. They received 3 wins and 1 draw in the last 4 games, revealing outstandi...
[(NK Rijeka) Strength]: 1. As the traditional giants in the First Football League (Croatia),\nNK Rijeka were unfortunately eliminated from the Champions League qualifiers by PFC Ludogorets Razgrad. They must now seize the opportunity to secure a spot in the Europa League. Playing at home, they will go all out for a decisive victory to lay a solid foundation for advancing in the second leg.2. NK Ri...
[(Real Salt Lake) Strength]: 1. Real Salt Lake have been in unstable recent form. Thus, they are motivated to win this home game.2. Braian Ojeda scored a brace in the last game, helping the team once take the lead.3. Real Salt Lake scored 7 goals in the last 5 games, revealing commendable offense.[(Real Salt Lake) Weakness]: 1. Real Salt Lake drew 2-2 with Atletico San Luis in the last game at hom...
[(Lech Poznan) Strength]: 1. Lech Poznan striker Mikael Ishak scored a goal in the last league match, sealing the victory for the team. He has scored in five consecutive games recently and is the most reliable scorer in the team.2. Lech Poznan won over Gornik Zabrze 2-1 in the last league home match. They have won 4 official games in a row, with hot form.3. Lech Poznan have a powerful offensive fo...
[(OGC Nice) Strength]: 1. OGC Nice will go all out to win and take the initiative of advancing in this home game, indicating undoubted motivation.2. Evann Guessand scored 13 goals and made 9 assists across all competitions last season, both leading the team.3. OGC Nice received 4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in 6 warm-up games, showing good shape.4. OGC Nice were unbeaten with 6 wins and 1 draw in the...
[(Feyenoord Rotterdam) Strength]: 1. As the traditional giants in the Eredivisie, Feyenoord Rotterdam finished 3rd in the league last season, revealing overall performances below expectations. They aim to qualify for the Champions League this season, indicating high motivation to win this home game.2. Feyenoord Rotterdam have an outstanding home record of 11 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses in the Ered...
- 1 Bayern Munich confirm Palhinha "transfer negotiations" as Spurs move closer
- 2 TIPS - Real Salt Lake VS Atletico San Luis
- 3 Arsenal legend backs Premier League rivals to become next invincibles and take prestigious title from Gunners
- 4 Daily Laugh - Raya nair
- 5 Man Utd, Newcastle turn to Stuttgart striker Woltemade
- 6 TIPS - FC Kairat Almaty VS SK Slovan Bratislava
- 7 Transfer rumors, news: Chelsea face dilemma over Simons
- 8 Real Madrid Willing to Sell Rodrygo — But Only If Two Key Conditions Are Met
- 9 TIPS - KF Shkendija VS Qarabag
- 10 Man United Go All In for Benjamin Sesko! Premier League Giants Notify RB Leipzig of Imminent Bid