Manchester United scraped points in a close game, bouncing back from the disappointment against Aston Villa. Red Devils were the better team in the first half, while Fulham was the better team in the second half.
The win was crucial for the Red Devils as they go into the world cup break on a positive note.
Here are five takeaways from Manchester United’s away encounter with Fulham:
Tyrell Malacia Puts In a Shift at Right-Back
People would have been surprised to see Malacia’s right-back play as the club has two other right-backs. Victor Lindelof would have struggled at Right-Back against Fulham’s winger Willian. The Brazilian winger did not fully get the better of Malacia but held his own throughout the encounter.
The Dutchman’s performance will concern Aaron Wan Bissaka, as he is the backup option for Diogo Dalot.
Bruno Fernandes Out Wide is Not a Good Idea
The plan to play Bruno Fernandes out wide did not come to fruition. The Portuguese International played well initially until he had to push to the flanks to accommodate Mctominay. Bruno was at fault for the goal when he had to play out wide.
The new substitution weakened United, and as a result, Fulham got stronger.
Manchester United Isn’t Clinical
Anthony Martial nearly converted a header, and Christian Eriksen should have scored before half-time. From a total of three chances, they only converted one.
Manchester United would have been less nervy heading into the second half, had they scored in the first half.
It does not help that the World Cup is just around the corner. The players are warier of injuries. With that in mind, the team may not risk it all. The lack of a clinical edge affected them.
They suffered a similar situation to a large extent in the Europa League.
If you fail to take your chances, the opposition teams will attempt to come back into the game.
Alejandro Garnacho Is Going From Strength To Strength
What Ten Hag has done with Garnacho is nothing short of amazing. The 18-year-old Argentinian wonderkid has developed as a player by not being thrown into the deep end too soon.
In the game against Fulham, he was lively and linked up with Eriksen to get the winning goal. In the game, he was fearless when taking on defenders. The goal was crucial as it came in the last minute of added time in a game that was edging towards a draw. The form of Garnacho should concern a few, including Jadon Sancho.
Manchester United Needs To Improve
Manchester United has a long way to go to challenge for the title. The second half was concerning as they gave up chances to Fulham. Thomas Cairney’s point-blank header forced a save from David De Gea’s save. Maxime Le Marchand’s header from a setpiece went over the bar.
Fulham scored a goal, which should concern the club. Willian drove down the left before playing the ball to Cairney. Cairney crossed it into the box for James, who scored.