Fernandes got the winner | Photo: Eurosport
When time was running out, captain Bruno Fernandes came up with a quality goal in stoppage time to win the game
By Valentine Amanze
Manchester United secured a dramatic late win against Fulham in the Premier League fixture played at Craven Cottage on Saturday November 4, 2023.
Scott McTominay struck in the fifth minute of the match but VAR official ruled out what many perceived as a good goal, when he tapped in a pass from Alejandro Garnacho.
After a lengthy check, VAR assistant Jarret Gillett sent referee John Brooks over to the screen for a rare subjective offside review.
Harry Maguire was deemed to be slightly beyond the last line of the Fulham defence but did not touch the ball.
After an on-field review, Brooks adjudged Maguire to have made a deliberate play towards the ball and disallowed the goal.
Also read: Manchester United keeper Onana may miss four Premier League matches
When time was running out, captain Bruno Fernandes came up with a quality goal in stoppage time to win the game.
Samuel Luckhurst of Manchester United Newsletter was in the press box at Craven Cottage gives Uinited player ratings.
Andre Onana
Handled with care and picked out the odd pass. Thwarted Harry Wilson and João Palhinha during a Fulham flurry. 7
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Slow to react in a couple of transitions but got back in position to kill some attacks. A reasonable return to the starting XI after two months. 6
Harry Maguire
Gallantly continued after an early collision forced him to halt play 39 seconds in. Defended stoutly in another decent performance. 7
Jonny Evans
An unsurprising improvement on his starting performance against City six days earlier, though Fulham lacked a dependable frontman. 6
Diogo Dalot
Switched to left-back and intervened with a fine goal-saving tackle with Wilson loitering in the first half. A recovery performance after Newcastle. 6
Scott McTominay
Unfortunate to have a goal disallowed for a dubious offside and played at a good tempo as he regularly drove forward. 6
Christian Eriksen
Positionally awry, slow off the ball and careless with the ball. The polar opposite of his performance at Fulham a year ago. 4
Antony
The best Brazilian winger wore white. Antony was his usual frivolous self, killing attacks and having no impact whatsoever. His removal was cheered. 2
Bruno Fernandes
Had an attempt on target in the first half. Resorted to the usual theatrics, chipped away at the referee and rounded on teammates when he was at fault. Then he scored to win the game. 7
Alejandro Garnacho
Worked hard but had little joy on his second successive start. Livelier at the start of the second half and drew cynical fouls. 6
Rasmus Hojlund
Easily marshalled by Tim Ream and Calvin Bassey. Ill-suited to United’s stodgy approach and rusty on the rare occasion he got the ball. 4
Subs
Facundo Pellistri
Did brilliantly with his perseverance to make the goal happen. 7
Mason Mount
Clearly lacking confidence. 5
Anthony Martial
Acrobatic effort went wide. 5
Raphael Varane.
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