Despite going into Wednesday's evening encounter against Fulham in a rich vein of form, Manchester United found themselves a goal down inside five minutes after Ademola Lookman raced beyond United's back line and confidently slotted the ball into the far corner.

United looked to be struggling until Bruno Fernandes hit a strong effort against Areola's post – the resulting play leading to an Edinson Cavani equaliser in the 21st minute.

United looked more promising in an attacking sense in the second period of the game and the away side were a goal ahead thanks to a thunderous strike from outside of the box through Paul Pogba in the 65th minute.

Fulham continued to apply pressure as the minutes ticked by but it was another away victory after going behind for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men.

Here's how the Red devils fared away at Craven Cottage:

  • Defence:

David de Gea 7/10: The Spaniard had little to do until the latter stages of the game, but he kept his composure and stayed big to make a couple of big saves in the final minutes.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka 6/10: The full-back was slow to push up when Fulham scored the opening goal and looked to be struggling. His second half performance was much improved – including an outstanding block.

Embed from Getty Images

Harry Maguire 6/10: The Englishman has been an ever-present rock in United's back line in recent weeks and he had a good game again. However, the defender found himself unmarked in the box and squandered a glorious chance to head the ball home.

Eric Bailly 6/10: Another player who was at fault for the opening goal, the Ivory Coast international grew in confidence and composure as the game progressed.

Luke Shaw 8/10: After a stellar performance at Anfield on Sunday, the full-back didn't let up at all last night as he dominated both defensively and offensively throughout the 90 minutes. Perhaps United fans are starting to see the best of Shaw.

  • Midfield:

Fred 7/10: The Brazilian has become one of United's key players in recent months and last night was no different. Although he did carelessly give the ball away several times during the 90 minutes, Fred produced a tidy performance alongside Pogba behind Fernandes.

Embed from Getty Images

Paul Pogba 8/10: We don't see it often but when we do – Pogba at his best is an absolute joy to watch. The Frenchman was arguably the best player on the pitch against Fulham and his goal was simply sublime. A cynical foul early on gave him a booking but this did not disturb what was to be an extremely impressive display from the midfielder.

Bruno Fernandes 7/10: The Portuguese had quiet spells in the game but was always looking to make things happen. After striking the post with a fierce effort, it was Bruno who whipped in the cross that United equalised from – shortly after, the midfielder forced a fine save from Areola.

  • Forwards:

Mason Greenwood 5/10: A very tough evening for the academy graduate. Greenwood hasn't hit the heights he did last season, and again he was a bystander on Wednesday evening – what happened in Rejykjavik seems to still be haltering his progress.

Anthony Martial 6/10: A relatively quiet afternoon for the Frenchman saw him try to make things happen but without any real success. After keeping his place over Marcus Rashford, you wouldn't have been forgiven for expecting more from Martial against Fulham.

Embed from Getty Images

Edinson Cavani 8/10: The veteran number 9 again proved he has so much to his game that his fellow forwards do not. Not only was his goal-poaching ability on display as he levelled for Ole's men, but Cavani demonstrated what it means to track back to win the ball and recycle play. The forward didn't stop winning the ball back throughout the game – a quality United haven't seen in a forward for a very long time.

  • Substitution Ratings:

Scott McTominay N/A: Late sub.

Marcus Rashford: N/A: Late sub.

Nemanja Matic: N/A: Late sub.

 

VAVEL Logo
About the author