Paul Pogba stood out as Manchester United came from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 and return to the top of the Premier League on Wednesday.
It was the worst possible start for Manchester United, who fell behind in yet another away game, as Ademola Lookman handed Fulham a 5th minute lead from close range. Thereafter, Manchester United did not really test Alphonse Areola a great deal, but it was a spill by the Fulham goalkeeper which allowed Edinson Cavani to pounce and get the visitors back on level terms.
Bruno Fernandes then came close to handing the Red Devils the lead shortly after but was denied by a fine fingertip save by Areola, but it was 1-1 at the break. Post the interval, Manchester United remained in the ascendancy but Fulham came close on a couple of occasions as well.
United, though, went ahead just past the hour mark when Paul Pogba unleashed a magnificent left-footed drive from outside the box. Moments later, Manchester United could have doubled their lead only for Areola to deny Cavani with a brilliant save.
On the opposite end, David de Gea was at hand to deny Ruben Loftus-Cheek from close range, as Manchester United held on to their slender advantage to return to the top of the Premier League table. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men following yet another comeback win by the Red Devils.
David de Gea: 6/10
Helpless because of the lack of endeavour from his teammates as Ademola Lookman scored early on, de Gea could not have done much to deny the Fulham forward. Thereafter, he only largely made regulation saves, but made a strong stop to thwart Ruben Loftus-Cheek late on.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 6/10
The player who saw the ball the most (109 touches), Wan-Bissaka once again left a lot to be desired with his output in the final third, although he did engineer an opening once this time around. Wan-Bissaka, though, was culpable of playing Lookman onside, but made amends defensively as the game progressed, with a late block being the standout moment.
Eric Bailly: 6/10
Restored in the starting lineup in place of Victor Lindelof, Bailly could have reacted better after Lookman evaded Manchester United’s offside trap. Instead, he meandered back slowly, which let the Fulham forward score the opener unchallenged. Improved as the game wore on, though, and made a late block to deny Aleksandar Mitrovic, although that could have easily been an own goal.
Harry Maguire: 6/10
Maguire had set a fine offside trap but was thwarted by teammate Wan-Bissaka as Fulham went ahead through Lookman’s close range strike. Thereafter, he was tidy in possession, losing the ball just five times while clearing everything in sight. However, he was caught out of position late on when de Gea denied Loftus-Cheek, which takes his rating down slightly.
Luke Shaw: 8/10
Luke Shaw’s game by numbers vs. Fulham:
100% dribble success
100% tackles won
83% pass accuracy
26 final third passes
13 attempted crosses
4 ball recoveries
3 accurate crosses
2 chances createdAnother strong performance. ? pic.twitter.com/cc9y6xuZYa
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 20, 2021
Another top class effort by Shaw, who has become indispensable for Manchester United unless there is need of some rest. The English international was relentless with his runs and was a constant outlet down the left flank, creating a couple of openings. Had the joint-second most touches in the game and used the ball efficiently while defending diligently for the most part.
Paul Pogba: 9/10
The clear standout in the game, Pogba just continues to go from strength to strength. For large parts of the game, the 2018 World Cup winner looked like Manchester United’s best bet to make some sort of difference and he did exactly that.
Paul Pogba vs Fulham:
99 touches
68 passes completed (85%)
— 34/44 forward passes
9 recoveries
7/11 duels won
3 tackles won
3 interceptions
2/2 take-ons completed
1 goalHe completed 38/42 (90%) passes in the second half. No player completed more. pic.twitter.com/Zyc0hwa3YC
— UtdArena (@utdarena) January 20, 2021
In a moment of brilliance, Pogba unleashed a fierce left-footed shot that Areola had no answer for to get Manchester United all three points on the night. That’s two match winners in as many away games for Pogba, who is starting to grow in importance as Manchester United begin dreaming of a Premier League title tilt.
Fred: 6/10
An all-action display by Fred, although he blew hot and cold at times. During spells when Fulham were on top of Manchester United, the Brazilian international needed to do more to give his side some control in midfield, only for his wastefulness on the ball to play a spoiler instead. Did produce a couple of key passes, though, and pushed United forward efficiently on occasion.
Mason Greenwood: 5/10
Back in the starting lineup, Greenwood’s struggles on the right wing continued against Fulham. The young Englishman did grow into the game gradually, but there were large spells when he was anonymous and did not do anything of note. In need of some inspiration, which must come soon.
Bruno Fernandes: 7/10
Bruno Fernandes’ game by numbers vs. Fulham:
69 passes attempted
53 passes completed
35 final third passes
5 passes into the box
4 shots (1 on target)
4 ball recoveries
2 interceptions
2 tackles won
2 chances created
1 big chance createdAlways plays forward. ?? pic.twitter.com/tfHKHcEhYC
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 20, 2021
He may not have a goal or an assist to show for his efforts. But, Bruno Fernandes was a big reason why Manchester United found a way back in the game. After a sluggish start, the Manchester United talisman burst into life, rattling the woodwork before providing the cross which was spilled by Areola ahead of Cavani’s goal. Denied by the Fulham custodian as well, though.
Anthony Martial: 5/10
A game of hits and misses for Martial. While the Frenchman was full of purpose and intensity, he was often doubled up by Fulham, which reduced his influence on the game. Even missed a fine opening and should have perhaps, been taken off a little earlier by Solskjaer.
Edinson Cavani: 8/10
Back in the starting lineup, Cavani led the line for Manchester United with aplomb, with his fine movement often creating space for the men around him. Showed poacher’s instincts by pouncing on the spill by Areola and could have added a second later in the game, but was denied by the Fulham goalkeeper. Such a top class addition to the Manchester United squad.
4 – Edinson Cavani is the first Man Utd player to score each of their first four Premier League goals for the club in away matches. Sharpshooter. pic.twitter.com/m4lAwdWzbh
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 20, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Scott McTominay: N/A
On for Martial, McTominay helped see the game out without much of a fuss.
Marcus Rashford: N/A
Introduced in place of Greenwood, Rashford did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Nemanja Matic: N/A
A late introduction, Matic helped see the game out.
