Adama Traore and Alex Iwobi combined for a winner deep in stoppage time as Fulham overcame a blown lead to beat Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The Red Devils were denied a fifth-straight win that would further strengthen the Red Devils’ revitalized top-four hopes, and Harry Maguire‘s late equalizer is a footnote as United’s 44 points have them sixth. That’s eight points off the top four after Aston Villa beat Nottingham Forest.
WATCH MANCHESTER UNITED vs FULHAM FULL MATCH REPLAY
Calvin Bassey also scored for Fulham, who have done enough to stay clear of the bottom three and now take another step toward the top half by moving into 12th place with 32 points (though the Cottagers have played two more matches than 13th-place Bournemouth)
The Cottagers ended 2023 with a bang, beating Arsenal at Craven Cottage. But Marco Silva’s men had just one win in their five Premier League matches to start 2024. Adding Man United to their list of defeated teams makes the year feel brighter.
No Hojlund, mo ‘problems
Rasmus Hojlund was not only red-hot when he suffered the injury that cost him his place in the Man United lineup, he was atop the side’s Premier League xG leaderboard.
Lost in the Old Trafford relief and/or delight from a rescued point is that the Red Devils were largely second-best at home, though the margin was close.
The absence of their great Dane was a big part of this problem, as United was not dangerous early and only found that sort of desperation and desire shown in other games by the latter stages of the game.
Anthony Martial‘s absence meant Marcus Rashford up top, and Erik ten Hag’s clearly turned on Antony after an extended run of chances to be more than a flop. Young Omari Forson started and wasn’t poor but neither a game changer, while Amad Diallo did little in relief of the 19-year-old.
Hojlund had scored in six-straight Premier League games and won’t return until well into next month. Judging by Saturday’s performance, that could mean an exit from the FA Cup and a Manchester derby demolition.
What’s next?
Man United go to Nottingham Forest a 2:45pm ET Wednesday in the FA Cup, then to the Etihad Stadium for a Manchester derby at 10:30am on Sunday, March 3.
Fulham host Brighton at 10am ET Saturday.
Manchester United vs Fulham: How to watch, live stream link, team news
Kickoff: 10am ET, Saturday
TV Channel: Peacock
Stream: Watch online via Peacock Premium
Manchester United vs Fulham live updates — By Nick Mendola
Manchester United vs Fulham live score: 1-2
Goal: Bassey (66′), Maguire (88′), Iwobi (90+7′)
Harry Maguire the hero! — Manchester United 1-1 Fulham (88th minute)
This one’s gonna withstand VAR check, and it’s all about Harry Maguire.
The one-time Red Devils center back keeps the attack alive deep in the Fulham box, then stays on the last defender.
Bruno Fernandes rips a shot that Bernd Leno can’t handle, and Maguire knifes it home for 1-1.
Calvin Bassey strikes off corner kick — Manchester United 0-1 Fulham (66th minute)
Bassey runs toward the near post and gets a half-effort toward goal blocked back to him.
His second bid at it is vicious, beating a flailing and desperate Andre Onana to give the Cottagers a lead two-thirds into this game.
Big saves from Onana and Leno — Still scoreless
Woah! Andreas Pereira nearly gets on the board against his old team with a hard curler from the left, outside the box.
Andre Onana flies through the air to push the ball out for a corner.
To the other end, where Alejandro Garnacho — the new Pereira — drives inside and forces Bernd Leno into a similar save.
All this after both teams have hit the post in the last 10 minutes or so.
Fulham very much in this through 30 minutes
Manchester United has had more of the meaningful runs of final-third play — we expected that with Palhinha out — but this hasn’t been straight-forward as Alex Iwobi alone has two half-chances he dragged wide of Andre Onana’s right post.
Fulham is out-attempting United 5-1 and has the edge in total possession and xG. They’re also showing an edge to their defending.
As we say this, Diogo Dalot just misses when he clips the far post with a sensational whipped effort across his body from outside the box.
Manchester United lineup
TEAM NEWS
The Reds make 2️⃣ changes, with @VLindelof and Omari Forson — making his first senior start for the Reds — coming into the team #MUFC || #MUNFUL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 24, 2024
Fulham lineup
Manchester United focus, injuries, team news
Missing Rasmus Hojlund is a huge blow for United as he’s out for the next few weeks with a muscle injury. Hojlund had been in scintillating form with goals in six-straight Premier League game. Two of those matches feature multiple goal contributions — a brace versus Luton last time out and a goal and an assist each against Spurs and Wolves. So Rashford, Garnacho and Fernandes need to step up.
OUT: Rasmus Hojlund (undisclosed), Mason Mount (calf), Anthony Martial (groin), Lisandro Martinez (knee), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (undisclosed), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Luke Shaw (undisclosed)
Fulham lineup focus, injuries, team news
The absence of suspended Palhinha will be very difficult for Fulham, but perhaps the Cottagers can ride the red-hot finishing form of Rodrigo Muniz, who has four goals in scoring over each of the last three games.
OUT: Raul Jimenez (thigh), Palhinha (suspension) | QUESTIONABLE: Willian (undisclosed), Kenny Tete (lower leg), Armando Broja (illness)