Manchester United are back in the most sensible part of the Premier League after going back to beat Fulham at Craven Cottage.
United has become accustomed to granting the first win on their travels this season, and this has happened when goals from Edinson Cavani and Paul Pogba secured all three problems after Ademola Lookman’s first game.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made 3 adjustments to the team that drew 0-0 with Liverpool at Anfield, with Victor Lindelof, Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford leaving, and Eric Bailly, Mason Greenwood and Edinson Cavani entering.
Lookman took credit for a sloppy United defense by breaking the Reds’ offside before beating David de Gea.
However, Fulham’s lead did not last, as Cavani came home from a close diversity before Pogba scored a surprising second half from outside the area to close the victory.
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Manchester United correspondent Rich Fay delivers the verdict on Fulham’s victory on the Manchester is Red podcast.
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Paul Pogba admitted that he hoped to score such a “beautiful” target with his weaker foot after his victory over Fulham on Wednesday night.
You can see his reaction here.
A massive United by reasserting his name credentials.
It’s been eight years since “United, United, the most sensible in the league” resumed in Fulham’s Putney End and they met there midway through the race. United enthusiasts would have caused waves in the Támesis if they had been near the river.
United came third at the beginning and is proof of its determination as a leader. For those who questioned United’s understandable technique with Liverpool, there is little explanation as to why regret the opportunities missed at Anfield Road End, especially given the reaction of one of the libertine players.
There has rarely been a case to establish a parallel between Paul Pogba and some other United midfielder with a “6” in his team number, however, his whipped left foot had nuances of Roy Keane’s technical wonder opposite the Portsmouth in 2003. This added brightness to a 3-0. win; it’s more significant.
You can why here.
United has set a phenomenal record.
David de Gea
There’s not much to do in the first half, but he made a big stop for Ruben Loftus-Cheek at 2-1. The concentration remained for when it was needed.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
He played Ademola Lookman and stood firm on another unconvincing night. You had to tell when to venture. However, big block late.
You can read the full one here.
Paul Pogba’s purpose beat United.
EN: Matic
OUT: Fernandes
So one goal from Fulham. A header deflects Bailly and flows right off the post.
Four minutes.
It will never be comfortable tonight, however United is pushing for some other purpose here.
Edinson Cavani is officially named BT Sport Man of the Match.
United will move up to the more sensible classification if they hold out to win.
A massive few minutes into his season, and a tight game the champions win.
EN: Rashford, McTominay.
OFF: Greenwood, Martial.
Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay are about to arrive.
How many does Loftus-Cheek want?
A centre is drilled before falling over the Fulham midfielder who makes an effort over the bar.
It’s as if United has read this latest blog post.
A corner of Luke Shaw finds himself through Maguire, before Fred makes a weak effort at goal.
He’s stuck before Fulham clears the danger.
A little decent play here by United, but a slight fear for his creativity on set sometimes.
Seven cornerers have been topped tonight and are suffering for one of them to have some goal effort.
This is a domain that you want to advance at some point.
Loftus-Cheek recovers the ball in the area but can fire a shot at De Gea’s legs.
United have held 65% of the possession, their midfield has been played superbly, and they still have Juan Mata and Donny van de Beek if they want more control.
United are back in the more sensitive standings with the win, so now they have the freedom to go a little deeper and play the game themselves.
Fulham will continue to push for the tie, but United is encouraged to hit them at half-time.
Almost a third when Cavani sees his bowed head stored magnificently.
Out of nowhere. It’s a goal.
Paul Pogba recovers the ball to the right of the area, cuts and makes a low effort with his left foot towards the back corner.
United with a little complacency as Pogba is at a property disadvantage through Lookman. The pace has just slowed down a bit in the last few minutes.
You’d still be back for United to go ahead and win this one, but Fulham gave him a good chance at the break.
We communicate about the incredible intensity of the equipment that Solskjaer has at your disposal and it can be a night when this turns out to be true.
A sensational Pogba ball opens Fulham’s defense: Fernandes is offside and leads the centre to the goalkeeper.
Fulham with some other memory when they cut United in the back, but Lookman can only shoot De Gea. He’s got some other leak.
You win another shift, but it all comes down to nothing. United will have to do those accounts.
An attractive dynamic for this moment, with Fulham as the most productive team since rest.
United is pushing very hard, which gives them the purpose, but this is obviously a goal that aims to punish Fulham.
Harrison Reed exerts an effort on the bar from outside the area. Visitors are not limited to coming down.
This is the company.
We’re back.
A big part for both sides in their respective seasons.
You just have to start when you’re fit.
De Gea
Nothing to do to get the ball out of the net. 6
Wan Bissaka
You look again. 5
Bailly
Dozily dared to let Lookman go. 5
Maguire
He’s making a foray. 6
Shaw
He forced the goal. Seven
Pogba
Booked early but negative to the point of performance. 6
Fred
Enter the goal. Seven
Fernandes
Hit the pole. 6
Greenwood
Not yet submitted. 5
Martial
It’s not on yet either. 6
Cavani
He jumped expertly. Seven
Ademola Lookman and Edinson Cavani with the goals.
Finally, a hoax from Greenwood when he cuts to his left but sees his weak effort blocked.
Two more minutes to play.
Greenwood’s memory is understandable and logical, but he presented virtually nothing. You can’t regain your trust right now, anything you suspect can happen after that fabulous purpose at West Ham.
Given Greenwood’s scenario and lack of skilful features on the right, this bodes a bell for Diallo.
It’s as if we live in an exchange universe where Aaron Wan-Bissaka can make smart centers but cannot defend.
It was terrible for Fulham’s goal, but he hit the centres.
This is a reaction from United, albeit after a difficult start.
Solskjaer knows it all depends on tonight’s outcome, so he can’t be too angry, but defensive paintings have been disappointing.
Fulham’s back broke United’s baseline. Cavaleiro received a terrible touch and saw the ball come out of the game.
A loose kick for United at the edge of the area.
Bruno Fernandes puts the ball and inflates his effort over the bar.
Maguire has taken a step forward immeasurably recently, but a mastery that requires painting is his ability to score goals in corners. United’s one-shot free kick took a step forward, but when the ball discovered Maguire, he rarely did enough. Possibility for a central defense that is smart in the air, but one-way or has a head of a few meters.
Harry Maguire connects with a wedge, with a wide head.
Edinson Cavani remains the club’s striker.
A terrible start, United has settled there now.
They responded with the best of tastes and now appear at most, probably to score one.
The wonderful merit of United’s purpose is that it is precisely the kind of purpose that other strikers of this team have no tendency to achieve. Fernandes had a goal to target the center because Cavani in the penalty domain from six yards, hunting wanted to be in the most productive position to score. Lucky with the goalkeeper’s mistake, but I was in the right position to capitalize on him. A natural attacker.