We learnt three things as Man United sealed a 2-1 win over newly-promoted side Fulham after a stoppage-time winner by academy graduate Alejandro Garnacho saved the day at Craven Cottage last Sunday.
The Red Devils desperately needed a win to stay in the race for the top-four after Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur won their respective games earlier. Erik ten Hag was keen to get his team back to winning ways after the devastating defeat to Unai Emery’s Aston Villa the previous game-week.
The Dutch boss fielded a much-changed team from the one that lost at Villa Park. Anthony Martial came in for Cristiano Ronaldo, Anthony Elanga was introduced into the first eleven with the ever-present Bruno Fernandes restored to the starting line-up after his 1-match suspension. Man United finished the game with lesser possession than Fulham, the visitors registered the better goal-scoring opportunities.
1. Garnacho Is One For The Future
When the Madrid-born youngster came on, he looked lively and immediately changed the outlook of the game. His direct attacking and threatening runs from the flanks unsettled the Fulham defence, and they started to make mistakes. The Argentine youth international almost won a penalty after coming on but was ruled out by the referee.
Nevertheless, the young winger made sure he had the last laugh, scoring the winner in injury time with what was the last kick of the game. The substitute finished coolly after being put through by Christian Eriksen, thereby scoring his second Manchester United goal.
This helps the Red Devils to end the first part of the season on a high note, as they bounced back from the loss at Villa with two successive wins, showing the mental strength of the side.
2. Eriksen And Bruno Are Vital To Erik Ten Hag’s System
Christian Eriksen scored his first goal for Man United in the Fulham game after an excellent low cross from Bruno Fernandes. The Danish playmaker has been consistently finding good passes and making solid runs throughout the ongoing campaign, so his lack of goals has been unnoticed, but this goal is well-deserved for all the work he has done for the team from the beginning of the season.
Christian Eriken's game by numbers vs. Fulham:
60 touches
6x possession won
4 accurate long balls
3 duels won
3 passes into the box
2 chances created
2 crosses
2 touches in opp. box
2 shots
1 shot on target
1 goal
1 assistHis first Manchester United goal. ⚽ pic.twitter.com/iOMBLfaY8F
— Squawka (@Squawka) November 13, 2022
Eriksen adding an extra goal-scoring element to the side will only boost the club’s top-four chances. In the game against Aston Villa, Bruno was unavailable and it made the United midfield look pretty ordinary. Despite fans always criticising Bruno Fernandes for his on-field antics and sometimes being sloppy in his final balls, the Red Devils look a better team when the Portuguese playmaker plays.
3. Ten Hag Has To Be Provided With The Resources He Needs To Rebuild Man Utd
During the press conference, Ten Hag spoke and mentioned that the United board and club officials need to support him in the upcoming transfer window. The Dutchman had only eight players available for the bench with two goalkeepers in the mix. On his lack of fit players in the squad, Ten Hag said:
“We have no more players available who can help us today.”
Elanga was playing on the right side to cover for the injured players. With Diogo Dalot not available, Tyrell Malacia was deployed in the right full-back position. Malacia’s lack of experience was exploited many times by Fulham, who kept attacking through his side, one of which eventually led to the equaliser.
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Manchester United keep their fifth spot in the Premier League going into the World Cup break. They will be back in action, starting with the EFL Cup tie against Burnley. Meanwhile, Fulham suffer two consecutive defeats but stay in ninth place as they face Crystal Palace next after the World Cup.
Going into the January transfer window, the Red Devils need to use the opportunity to add add reinforcements, with a right-back and striker on the priority list. The lack of options will affect Ten Hag’s ability to play his style and might lead to them missing out on Champions League football again.
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