MANCHESTER UNITED’S unbeaten start to 2024 saw it’s final thread snap as they fell to defeat at the hands of Fulham.
The Red Devils thought they had fought back with a late equaliser from Harry Maguire to keep their record going, but lost all three points in added time.
GettyManchester United suffered their first loss of 2024[/caption]
ReutersAlex Iwobi netted a dramatic late winner for Fulham[/caption]
Cottagers centre-back Calvin Bassey smashed home his opportunity in the 65th minute to put Fulham ahead.
But with just one minute of regulation time to play it was another centre-back who came up with the goods for United.
Harry Maguire was able to pop up at the far post to slot the ball past Bernd Leno after he parried away a Bruno Fernandes cross.
However with nine minutes added on by Michael Oliver and his refereeing team, Alex Iwobi was able to snatch all three points to take back to London.
The former Arsenal man scored a stunning goal in the 97th minute to break Man Utd hearts.
Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated each United player’s performance.
ANDRE ONANA – 6
Made a couple of regulation saves in the first half but having said that even those were not straight forward earlier in the season. Not much could do about first goal but bit flat footed for the second.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
DIOGO DALOT – 6
Has enjoyed an upsurge in form of late and that continued in the first half at least here even clipping the post with a long range effort.
RAPHAEL VARANE – 6
Looks like a player just seeing out time before he heads off for his next adventure in the summer.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 7
ReutersHarry Maguire thought he had rescued a point for his side[/caption]
Popped up with what he thought would be the equaliser two minutes from time. But then was lost by Adama Traore high upfield in the build up to the Fulham winner.
VICTOR LINDELOF – 4
Asked to fill in at left-back in the absence of Luke Shaw and got the run around. Shaw’s absences this season and the effect on the back four cannot be underestimated.
GettyVictor Lindelof struggled at left-back[/caption]
CASEMIRO – 5
A game he should have bossed in the middle of the park but he was quiet and finally went off after a clash of heads.
KOBBIE MAINOO – 5
Did not have the same impact of recent performances. Got lost in the midfield and struggled to link up with teammates. Best games are away from home when there is a more room.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 5
His figures are not stacking up this season. Failing to have his usual influence on a consistent level and this was another example of that after a poor display the previous weeked at Luton.
OMARI FORSON – 5
AlamyOmari Forson was subbed off in the 53rd minute after making his first Premier League start[/caption]
The 19-year-old was given his first Premier League start ahead of Antony but simply could not get into the game before he was subbed early in the second-half.
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 7
United’s main threat up front going on his trademark dribbles and testing the goalkeeper as well as having one effort headed away from in front of the line.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 6
Shone in fits and starts but did not offer the same threat and movement that the absent Rasmus Hojlund provides. They really missed him.
SUBS
SCOTT MCTOMINAY (for Casemiro) – The supersub could not save them this time. 6
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN (for Forson) – Lost his man for Fulham’s goal first goal. 5
AMAD DIALLO (for Mainoo) – Failed to make any impact when he came on. 5
ANTONY (For Lindelof) – Bit late for that change. 6