Match Review: Manchester United 1-1 Fulham

Despite the greatly missed presence of fans at Old Trafford, Manchester United drop points against a relegated Fulham.

How did Manchester United set up?

Solskjaer made 3 changes that were beaten convincingly 4-2 by Liverpool 5 days ago, with Axel Tuanzebe, Mason Greenwood and David de Gea returning to the starting eleven.

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Surprisingly, the selection of Scott McTominay and Fred had a positive impact on the majority of our attacking transitions, though the frailties were exposed as Wan Bissaka’s poor positioning led to a Fulham equaliser with Victor Lindelof being outmatched by their striker. 

The Team:

David de Gea(GK); Aaron Wan-Bissaka(RB), Victor Lindelof(CB), Axel Tuanzebe(CB), Luke Shaw(LB); Scott Mtominay(DM), Fred(DM), Bruno Fernandes(CAM); Paul Pogba(LAM), Edinson Cavani(ST), Mason Greenwood(RW).

How it went down

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During the first half, in front of 10,000 United fans at Old Trafford, Cavani scored a goal-of-the-season contender within 19 minutes, brilliantly lofting the ball over Alphonse Areola from 40 yards for his ninth goal in 10 appearances. There was controversy over whether the goal was offside following a sublime pass from De Gea that found Bruno Fernandes who supposedly touched the ball to contribute to arguably the best goal of United’s season. 

In the second half, Fulham had their moments, and equalised through Joe Bryan’s header from Bobby Decordova-Reid’s cross, meaning United are now “stumbling towards the Europa League final” according to Gary Neville.

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United have now guaranteed second place with one game remaining, but have dropped 10 points from winning positions at Old Trafford, their highest ever such total at home in a Premier League season.

In addition, Manchester United have conceded 28 home goals in the Premier League this season – they last conceded more at Old Trafford in a single league campaign back in 1962-63 (38). This horrific statistic suggests that instead of prioritising a striker; the hierarchy at Old Trafford must enhance the shambolic defence with adequate investment in a centre-back and also a defensive midfielder.  

Final score: 1-1

Edinson Cavani, Joe Bryan

Where does this leave Manchester United?

After dropping points to the Cottagers, United will now face Wolves at the Molineux Stadium in their last fixture of an intense Premier League season, then travel to Poland for their Europa League final against Emery’s Villarreal.