Bruno Fernandes once again came to the rescue for Manchester United, securing a crucial victory with a stoppage-time winner. Prior to Fernandes’ decisive strike, it seemed like Erik ten Hag’s team, Ajax, would be leaving with a sense of gratitude for Andre Onana’s outstanding performances in the second half. However, Fernandes’ late goal turned the tables and ensured a much-needed win for Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes delivered a 91st-minute winner at Fulham

 

Once again, Manchester United showcased their character with yet another late winner, providing further evidence of their resilience. However, the overall performance during the 90 minutes was disappointing, lacking the expected quality and desire. It was a display reminiscent of their previous defeat in the derby against City and the humbling loss in the Carabao Cup to Newcastle.

Fulham were left regretting their poor defending, which allowed Bruno Fernandes to have a clear opportunity to score. Additionally, the brilliant saves made by Onana added to their frustration. Apart from the goal, Manchester United appeared disoriented and bewildered for most of the game, much like Harry Maguire, who suffered a nasty head ιnjury in the first minute and was subsequently forced to leave the field.

Prior to that, Maguire found himself involved in the disallowed early “goal” by Scott McTominay. McTominay had successfully put the ball into the net from Alejandro Garnacho’s cross, but after a prolonged period of VAR deliberation, referee John Brooks agreed with VAR official Jarred Gillett. Maguire had attempted to go for the ball without making contact, starting from an offside position following Christian Eriksen’s free-kιck. Such instances are enough to dampen the joy in today’s game.

Despite dominating possession, Manchester United often resorted to long ball tactics. Fulham, on the other hand, were content to sit back and play on the counter-attack, relying on Willian as their main attacking threat.

However, aside from one blocked shot by Willian and a promising cross that nearly found Harry Wilson at the back post, Fulham struggled to pose a real threat to United’s goal.

Following Scott McTominay’s disallowed goal, United failed to register another shot on target for the next 25 minutes. Bruno Fernandes’ tame effort was easily saved by Bernd Leno when they finally did manage a shot on target.

There was a moment when Alex Iwobi made an impressive run, covering more than half of the field, but unfortunately, he could not find the target with his shot.

Overall, the disallowed goal was the only significant talking point of the first half.

Andre Onana made a string of top savesErik ten Hag could not contain his delight as Fernandes found the net

It summed up a very mediocre 45 minutes of football.

United came out after the break with a bit more intent and Antony worked Leno twice.

But after that Fulham did everything but score and would have done but for Onana.

First the United goalkeeper changed direction in mid-air to keep out Wilson’s rasping effort.

Then he stood tall to push away Joao Palhinha’s close-range thump, with Diogo Dalot clearing off the line soon afterwards.

All United could muster in response was a tame shot by substitute Facundo Pellistri.

Ten Hag threw on Anthony Martial and Mason Mount for the closing stages.

Fernandes at last tested Leno with a dipping free kιck and then came his moment.

Fulham wasted chances to clear and the United captain eventually took a shot that Leno could only help into the net.

Marcus Rashford watched from the sidelines as he failed a fitness testThe travelling fans sent a clear message to the Red Devils playersScott McTominay saw his early goal chalked off for offsideHarry Maguire needed to be checked over in the first minuteThe Red Devils players celebrated the last-gasp winner