Sunday Fulham Stuff (09/12/18)...

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Results

Saturday
Bournemouth	0 - 4	Liverpool
Arsenal	1 - 0	Huddersfield
Burnley	1 - 0	Brighton
Cardiff	1 - 0	Southampton
Man Utd	4 - 1	Fulham
West Ham	3 - 2	Palace
Chelsea	2 - 0	Man City
Leicester	0 - 2	Spurs

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Manchester United 4-1 Fulham

Romelu Lukaku scored his first competitive goal for United at Old Trafford since March, ending a run of 997 minutes in all competitions

Manchester United recorded their biggest Premier League win of the season as they swept aside Fulham in a match Cottagers boss Claudio Ranieri described as "11 lambs against 11 wolves".

The victory - United's first in five league matches - moved them up to sixth, while bottom-of-the-table Fulham have now conceded 40 goals in 16 matches.

"In the first half we were shy, we were waiting," said Ranieri after his fourth match in charge. "Why? Why were we waiting? The first half was a warm-up.

"I want my team to play and fight for every single ball. We have to be stronger, more confident in our qualities.

"In the first half it was 11 lambs against 11 wolves. The wolves ate the lambs."

The hosts took the lead after 13 minutes when Ashley Young bustled his way into the penalty area and curled the ball into the far corner.

Marcus Rashford set up Juan Mata for United's second, before Romelu Lukaku finished from close range from Mata's low cross.

Substitute Aboubakar Kamara pulled one back with a penalty after he had been fouled by Ander Herrera, but Ranieri's side were soon reduced to 10 men, when Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa was dismissed for two bookable offences.

England striker Rashford sealed United's victory with a powerful strike from a tight angle that beat Sergio Rico at his near post.

This was the first time this season the Red Devils had won by a three-goal margin in the league, though they did beat Young Boys 3-0 in the Champions League in September.

The last time they won by three goals in the league was on 15 January, with a 3-0 home defeat of Stoke.

United impress without Pogba

This was a welcome win for United after a derby defeat by Manchester City on 11 November that preceded three successive draws in the league - against Crystal Palace, Southampton and Arsenal.

That had increased the external pressure on Mourinho, though his agent said on Friday the Portuguese was "very happy at the club and the club is very happy with him".

Mourinho named World Cup winner Paul Pogba on the bench, as he was against the Gunners, while forward Anthony Martial was missing because of a hamstring injury.

The United boss kept faith with 19-year-old right-back Diogo Dalot, starting a Premier League match for only the second time after his £19m summer move from Porto, and was rewarded with a fine performance.

But United's first goal came from the other full-back - Young, who picked up the ball on the side of the penalty area, forced his way past Denis Odoi and curled home.

Mata, who came in for Martial, was also excellent, scoring the second, then setting up Lukaku - scoring his second goal in 15 United games - for the third.

Kamara lifted Fulham's hopes of a recovery with a controversial penalty after he was tackled by Herrera, who looked to have won the ball.

But the London side were reduced to 10 men within two minutes of that goal, and from then on United dominated again and Rashford got the goal he deserved in the 82nd minute to complete a fine evening for United and Mourinho.

A lot of work for Ranieri to do

For Fulham, the opening half highlighted their defensive frailties. They are the only team not to have kept a clean sheet in the top flight this season, and have now conceded at least three goals in a match in seven of 16 games.

Ranieri will be worried by the ease with which his side were carved open for United's first three goals.

The Italian, a Premier League winner with Leicester, made two big decisions at half-time - replacing top goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic and captain Tom Cairney with Luciano Vietto and Kamara - and was rewarded with a much better second-half performance.

Kamara won a penalty and converted it himself, but any hope of an incredible fightback ended within two minutes when Anguissa was sent off. The Cameroon international seemed to be penalised harshly by referee Lee Probert when he was adjudged to have fouled Rashford, after being cautioned for an earlier foul on Lingard.

With only 10 men, it was no surprise Fulham conceded again and Ranieri will face a very difficult task to tighten his side up in defence as they look to avoid an instant return to the Championship.

Mourinho reaches his half-century of United league wins - the stats

    Mourinho recorded his 50th Premier League victory as United manager in his 92nd game.
    Fulham have conceded in 20 consecutive top-flight games - their longest run without a clean sheet in the top tier.
    Fulham have conceded 40 goals in their opening 16 Premier League games this season; only Barnsley in 1997-98 (43) have conceded more at this stage of a top-flight campaign since the start of the 1965-66 season.
    Fulham have lost 22 of their past 24 away matches against United in all competitions (won one, drew one) - their only win in this sequence was a 3-1 victory in the Premier League in October 2003.
    Rashford (one goal, two assists) has been directly involved in three goals in a single Premier League game for only the second time in his career and the first since his debut in the competition versus Arsenal in February 2016.
    Mata is only the third Spanish player to both score 50+ goals and register 50+ assists in Premier League history, after Cesc Fabregas and David Silva.
    Young ended a run of 39 games in all competitions without a goal for United, since netting twice versus Watford in November 2017 - 375 days ago.

Man of the match - Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)

'Beautiful football' - what they said

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho told Sky Sports: "The first half was really good. We gave no chances to Fulham. We were strong, aggressive and intense. At times it was beautiful football. The first half was perfect.

"The second half was Ranieri's fault. He made two changes that improved his team and gave us problems that we didn't have in the first half. I also think there was some fatigue in some of my players. A few factors made the second half not as good as the first.

"We were intense without the ball and with the ball. Without the ball we pressed, we kept Mitrovic away from goal. With the ball it was simple, one or two touches. We were really good.

"We needed it. The last three matches we didn't lose, but didn't win. Now we have two away matches, then two at home. Let's see if we can get more points from those matches.

"The players have shown they can be a better team than they are. When there is solidarity in the team, everyone giving their maximum, you attract more positive things."

Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri told BBC Sport: "The second half was much better but I have to consider if that was a down from Manchester United because they were winning 3-0 or we made a good performance.

"Go, play football. Then, if they score, it is normal. In the second half, we did. Why we didn't in the first half, I need to speak with my players.

"The response in the second half was positive. We played with more intensity, we were hungry, everything better than the first half."

What's next?

Manchester United travel to Valencia in their final Champions League Group H game on Wednesday, 12 December (20:00 GMT). United have already qualified for the last 16 but can still win the group, although they need to beat the Spanish side and hope Juventus drop points at Swiss side Young Boys.

United are next in Premier League action when they play at Liverpool on Sunday, 16 December (16:00 GMT). That game comes a day after Fulham's next match - at West Ham (Saturday, 17:30 GMT).



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46409331

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Manager Reaction

Claudio Ranieri gave a frank assessment of his side's performance today at Old Trafford as the Whites fell to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of a ruthless Manchester United side.

The Manager has made his side aware that in order to survive in the Premier League they cannot afford to put in a showing as they did in the opening 45 minutes and must look to match the intensity and aptitude shown in the second half. 

"I want to talk about the whole game, not just one incident and the referee," Ranieri said.

"The referee can make mistakes just as a manager can make mistakes.

"Players can make mistakes as well and this is just football.

"In the first half it was all Manchester United. They played very well with powerful qualities. We didn't realise what happened.

"The second half was much better. We had the desire to try and play our best and we scored a goal.

"At that moment there wasn't a foul. At the time I couldn't see on the pitch but I watched after on video and I saw my player touch the ball only and the referee gave a second yellow card.

"That moment again changed the match because from the first minute of the second half it was much better for us.

"We showed what we have to do if we want to survive in the Premier League.

"I said to my players. If you play like in the first half it is the way to relegation. But if we play like in the second half we can survive.

"It is very clear.

"We have to react, we have to think about it and we have to have desire to be in the Premier League next season because nobody gives a gift."

A recent standout performer for the Whites was absent from the starting XI today as Calum Chambers picked up a slight injury in training prior to the match at Old Trafford.

Despite missing out today Ranieri hopes to have Chambers back for the London derby against West Ham United next weekend at Craven Cottage.

"Chambers suffered a little problem and was in London," he stated. "He didn't travel with us.

"I hope he will be ready to be back next week."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/december/08/manager-reaction-united

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Fulham player ratings vs Manchester United: Odoi awful as Anguissa and Seri given a torrid time

Here's how we rated the players during the game at Old Trafford

Sergio Rico

Not much the summer signing could have done about Ashley Young's strike. Made a fine save to stop Marcus Rashford's powerful free-kick finding the net in the first half, before denying the England international and Romelu Lukaku after the break. Probably will feel he should have done better with Rashford's late goal. 7

Denis Odoi

Given a tough time at right-back with Cyrus Christie dropping down to the bench. Should have done a lot better for United's opener with Young cutting inside way too easily. Also out of position for the second as Juan Mata found the net. 3

Alfie Mawson

Forced to move out of defence to cover Odoi as Mata made it 2-0 with a low finish. Really tough afternoon for the ex-Swansea man. 4

Tim Ream

Not the game he would have wanted to come back in. Long 90 minutes for the defender. 4

Joe Bryan

Really hard game for the ex-Bristol City man with Diogo Dalot constantly causing problems down the wing. Tried to support in attack at times. 4

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa

Showed some glimpses of quality early on but another poor performance from the summer signing. United cut through the heart of midfield time and time again. Sent off midway through the second half after a tussle with Rashford. 3

Jean Micheal Seri

Looks a shadow of the player who almost joined Barcelona back in August 2017. Could do nothing to stop United pushing on through the middle of the park. 3

Andre Schurrle

Got skinned time and time again down the wing with Young and Rashford constantly pushing on. Better after the break as he twice went close. 4

Tom Cairney

Good range of passing from the captain following his return to the team. Shock to see him hauled off at the break given the performances of others. 5

Ryan Sessegnon

Given a hard time on his 100th appearance for the club with Dalot bombing on. Caught out a number of times as he pushed on and United then hit the Cottagers on the counter. Lovely flick late in the second half to get the better of Phil Jones. 4

Aleksandar Mitrovic

Created a yard of space for himself after 20 minutes but his shot proved rather comfortable for David De Gea. Worked hard as ever but he wasn't presented with any chances. Subbed at the break. 4

Substitutes

Luciano Vietto (Tom Cairney, 46)

Better from the summer arrival after a poor showing in midweek. 4

Aboubakar Kamara (Aleksandar Mitrovic, 46)

Made a difference after the break as he scored from the penalty spot following a foul from Ander Herrera. 5

Ibrahima Cisse (Andre Schurrle, 73)

Not much time for the attacker to make an impact. 3



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-manchester-united-player-ratings-15523118

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Man Utd cruise to win over 10-man Fulham at Old Trafford

Jose Mourinho's Manchester United comprehensively dispatched of floundering Fulham to kick-start their top-four push as Romelu Lukaku ended his Old Trafford drought.

Four winless Premier League matches had led pressure to mount on the United manager, which is perhaps why the Portuguese's agent Jorge Mendes felt the need to make a statement about his future on the eve of the game.

But the Old Trafford faithful were able to enjoy some respite from the negativity surrounding the club on Saturday afternoon, with first-half goals from Ashley Young, Juan Mata and Lukaku putting the hosts in control.

Substitute Aboubakar Kamara's penalty reduced the deficit from the spot but Fulham midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa's sending off was followed by a Marcus Rashford piledriver as United ran out 4-1 victors.

While the second half was nowhere near as comfortable as the first, there was a rare air of positivity around Old Trafford after giving their Champions League qualification hopes a much-needed shot in the arm.

Young superbly fired United into an early lead and Mata coolly slotted home a second before Lukaku ended his 997-minute wait for a goal at Old Trafford.
The decision to both award the penalty, scored by Kamara, and send off Anguissa shortly afterwards proved controversial but could not change the course of a game that Rashford wrapped up by catching out goalkeeper Sergio Rico.

It was a promising response to United's 2-2 draw against Arsenal, with Paul Pogba remaining on the bench despite Mourinho making four changes for Saturday's game.
Those moves worked from the outset, with a bright start bringing a morale-boosting 13th-minute opener as United skipper Young all too easily got past Denis Odoi to send a superb strike into the top corner.

"You're nothing special, we lose every week" chanted the Fulham fans, whose side were struggling to contain the hosts.

Chris Smalling and Young had attempts as Claudio Ranieri became increasingly exasperated on the touchline, with the gaps in Fulham's side eventually exploited again in the 28th minute.
Lukaku sent a weight ball through Rashford, whose cutback was met by a first-time strike from Mata in front of the Stretford End.

The Spaniard's 50th Premier League goal was followed by Rico superbly denying a Rashford free-kick and Lukaku netting at Old Trafford for the first time since March.

A smart routine saw Jesse Lingard put Mata behind the Fulham defence, with Lukaku meeting his cross to turn home from close range, sparking high fives from Mourinho.

Fulham goalkeeper Rico stopped Lukaku grabbing another just before the end of a half in which a meek Aleksandar Mitrovic attempt was they best they could muster. The striker was replaced at the break as part of a double change.

Rashford and Lukaku tried to extend United's lead when play resumed, with impressive teenage right-back Diogo Dalot sending over a fine cross that Lukaku would have turned in was it not for Rico.

But Fulham were now looking slightly more of a threat.

Smalling was withdrawn through injury and Andre Schurrle fizzed across the face of goal after Herrera inexplicably turned wide with the goal at his mercy.

The latter was soon involved in a goal at the wrong end, giving away a penalty for a foul on Kamara. The substitute turned home the spot-kick but hope of a comeback was all-but ended when Anguissa, already booked, was shown a red card by referee Lee Probert.

The decision caused consternation before Luciano Vietto tried to net a second for Fulham, but United ended on top as Dalot's cross just evaded Lukaku.

Rashford and the Belgium striker were denied by Rico, whose good work was forgotten when allowing a Rashford snapshot in at his near post from an acute angle.

Rashford was replaced immediately afterwards by Scott McTominay, who could have netted a fifth when meeting a clipped Dalot cross.



https://www.teamtalk.com/news/man-utd-cruise-to-win-over-10-man-fulham-at-old-trafford

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Struggling Fulham easily beaten by United

Man Utd 4 Fulham 1

Struggling Fulham were well beaten at Old Trafford and remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League.

After first-half goals from Ashley Young, Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku, substitute Aboubakar Kamara scored with a penalty midway through the second half to give the Whites hope.

But André-Frank Zambo Anguissa was sent off a couple of minutes later and Manchester United were more than comfortable before Marcus Rashford added a late fourth.

Fulham's defence – the most porous in the Premier League – could only keep United at bay for 13 minutes.

Young rounded off a fine move by nutmegging Dennis Odoi and superbly firing into the far corner of the net from a tight angle.

Aleksandar Mitrovic missed a decent chance to equalise when his weak shot was easily saved by keeper David De Gea after the striker had been set up by the recalled Tom Cairney.

That miss proved costly, with former Chelsea playmaker Mata doubling United's lead just before the half-hour mark with a first-time strike after being found by Rashford's low cross from the left.

And another former Chelsea man, Lukaku, scored following a clever short-corner routine.

Mata collected Jesse Lingard's pass and threaded the ball through to the Belgian striker, who finished from close range.

Kamara, on as a half-time replacement for Mitrovic, scored from the spot after being brought down by Ander Herrera.

However, any realistic hope of a Fulham comeback was quashed when Anguissa received a second yellow card following a challenge on Rashford, who caught out keeper Sergio Rico with a strike from near the edge of the penalty area with eight minutes remaining.

Fulham: Rico, Ream, Mawson, Odoi, Bryan, Anguissa, Cairney (Vietto 45), Seri, Schurrle (Cisse 73), Sessegnon, Mitrovic (Kamara 45).
Subs not used: Bettinelli, Kebano, Johansen, Christie.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/football-was-man-utd-v-fulham-premier-league-report-08122018

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Cottage Talk Full Time: Fulham Go Down 4-1 To Manchester United At Old Trafford
Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

In this episode, we shared our "initial reactions" to Fulham's 4-1 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford. Co-hosts Max Cohen, Yannis Tjanetis, and Matt Smith, who was at Old Trafford, shared their thoughts on this embarrassing loss.


You can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/12/8/18132048/cottage-talk-full-time-fulham-go-down-4-1-to-manchester-united-at-old-trafford

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Manchester United 4, Fulham 1
Yeah, that was poor

It's one thing to lose to a football club that has so many world class players and a manager that has such a massive CV. It's another thing for Fulham to lose the way they did tonight.

In the first half alone, Claudio Ranieri's emphasis of an organized defense resulted in his strongest downfall. There was no pressing whatsoever, no attempts at tackling the ball away from the Manchester United attacking players and not a single Fulham defender wanting to put in a good hard shift. It all turned to crap as soon as Tim Ream was selected at center back and Denis Odoi at fullback. Both have been proven beyond enough that none are capable at playing any of those positions at Premier League level and that fact was proven correct once again tonight.

Manchester United's fullbacks might as well have been Dani Alves and Marcelo out there, but this was youngster Diogo Dalot and Ashley Young out there. In United's first goal, Young and Odoi might as well have had a staring contest down the left hand flank. When the former tried to get into the penalty area, he was trying to do so by putting the ball through the latter's legs. Unfortunately, Odoi slipped on the wet pitch and Young was able to gather the ball in the area and put in a curling effort past Sergio Rico in the 12th minute of play. It was a bad omen because Manchester United have struggled all season in getting off to strong starts.

Surely enough, United's second goal came when Romelu Lukaku found a streaking Marcus Rashford heading towards goal while being ignorantly played onside by Ream. From there, Rashford picked a simple pass deep inside the penalty area towards center to find a streaking Juan Mata and was able to put it through the wickets of Alfie Mawson and Rico to make it 2-0. The rout was truly on. Surely enough, United made it three with a training ground corner kick attempt led to Mata easily finding a struggling Lukaku point blank for him to tap it home.

You may wonder if Fulham even do anything with the ball at his feet, but besides a flimsy shot towards David de Gea outside the box by Aleksander Mitrovic, they did absolutely nothing. With just two shots in the first half, Fulham only generated 0.04 expected goals. It was by far, their worst performance in that department all season.

If anything, it might as well have been hiding both players from further embarrassment as both Mitrovic and Tom Cairney were substituted at halftime. Bluntly, it was no where near their fault as the entire game plan was taken to the woodshed by United by minute one and other players should be given more blame to their performance tonight. André Schürrle might have returned from injury, but he time and again was either invisible or wasteful. Ryan Sessegnon needs better support around him because he just will not be able to make his runs in the penalty area on his own. Lastly, Jean Michael Seri's prime is being wasted completely by an absolute struggle for how well he can fit into any system Fulham can use.

To their credit, Fulham played much better in the second half as Aboubakar Kamara was his usual clumsy, adventurous and bull-in-a-china-shop self. Fulham were finally able to have more time with the ball at their feet as Sessegnon, Schürrle and substitute Luciano Vietto started to finally come into the game. Surely enough, the striker was taken down by Ander Herrera in the penalty area and gave Fulham a shot at the spot. Unlike two seasons ago, Fulham capitalized by Kamara and cut the lead to 3-1.

Sadly, their optimism was short lived as Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Marcus Rashford got into a wrestling match that was almost all of Rashford's doing. But that was not what referee Lee Probert saw something differently, and already with a yellow card, Anguissa was given a second one and was sent off. Anguissa deservedly demanded an explanation as to what he did wrong, but the United players and Probert wanted none of it.

From there, Fulham's endeavor was gone and United were able to coast through the rest of the game. To add insult to injury, Rashford blasted a shot past Rico on his near post after Odoi once again decided not to challenge him and make it 4-1. United really should have had five or six more through Mata, Herrera or Lukaku, but Jose Mourinho wasn't all too mad about it. If anything, he couldn't have been more happy seeing his team do well without playing his worst enemy Paul Pogba.

It was a simple win for the home side and Claudio Ranieri seriously needs to rethink his tactics. Fulham can not just be sitting so far back and expecting the ball to come to them with ease. And like Slavisa Jokanovic, their attack was non-existent up until United didn't give a darn anymore. Until all that changes, Fulham will struggle to get themselves out of relegation. Fortunately, West Ham, Newcastle, a struggling Wolves and Huddersfield are next on the agenda before 2018 comes to a close. At minimum, Fulham have to double their win count before that slate of fixtures is over. Here's to a better performance.



https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2018/12/8/18132004/manchester-united-4-fulham-1

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Claudio Ranieri says Fulham 'didn't play' in first half of Manchester United defeat
Fulham lose 4-1 at Manchester United to remain bottom of Premier League

Claudio Ranieri was left lamenting Fulham's first-half display as they conceded three goals before eventually losing 4-1 at Manchester United on Saturday.

Fulham, without a Premier League clean sheet all season, were 3-0 down at the break after goals from Ashley Young, Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku.

Aboubakar Kamara's penalty reduced the deficit in the second half, but after Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa was sent off for a second bookable offence, Marcus Rashford rounded off the victory late on.

It means bottom-club Fulham have now conceded 40 times in 16 games, with only Barnsley in 1997-98 (43) shipping in more at this stage of a Premier League season.

Ranieri told Sky Sports: "I had to consider why in the first half we didn't play, and in the second half I was very satisfied, but our best moment was [followed by] the second yellow card for Anguissa.

"I saw the foul, it's not a foul, he touched the ball clearly, and the referee gave the yellow card.

"But this was not the problem, the problem was the first half. We didn't play, we had to play harder, stronger because United showed quality, passion, desire, everything, and we had to do the same.

"They want to [go far] in the Champions League, we have to be safe at the end of the season, and we have to have a great desire to stay in the Premier League."

Asked if Fulham lacked intensity, Ranieri replied: "Yes, today. In the first half it was a warm-up, the second half was much better. I have to consider that United were 3-0 up and maybe relaxed a little, but we were stronger with passion.

"I want to see every match, every single ball, in the same way."

Anguissa's second yellow came one minute after Kamara slotted in a penalty for Fulham, and while Ranieri disagreed with the decision - which came after the midfielder challenged Rashford - he said he would not have words with the referee.

Ranieri added: "I don't like to speak with the referee. The referee is okay, he can make mistakes. The managers and players make mistakes. Just [I would like him] to say it wasn't a foul."



https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/11575107/claudio-ranieri-says-fulham-didnt-play-in-first-half-of-manchester-united-defeat

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Man Utd news: Did you hear Fulham fans chanting hilarious song at Old Trafford?
FULHAM fans were heard signing a hilarious song during their 4-1 defeat at Manchester United on Saturday.

United ran out emphatic winners thanks to goals from Ashley Young, Juan Mata, Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford.

Aboubakar Kamara replied for the visitors from the penalty spot.

But the defeat did not dampen the travelling fans' spirit as they poked fun at United.

Fulham are bottom of the Premier League having lost a whopping ELEVEN of their 16 league games this season.

And they could he heard chanting: "You're nothing special, we lose every week."

The victory saw under-fire boss Jose Mourinho get back to winning ways in a week which has seen his own future at the club questioned.

His agent Jorge Mendes has moved quickly to play down the rumours that suggest he is set for the exit door.

And Mourinho said he was impressed with is side's display.


Fulham players applaud fans who came up with a hilarious chant at Old Trafford (Image: GETTY)

He was particularly pleased with how they played in the first-half as they went in 3-0 in front at the break,

United slowed down in the second-half but managed to record their biggest win of the season.

"The first half was really good. We gave no chances to Fulham," Mourinho said.

"We were strong, aggressive and intense. At times it was beautiful football. The first half was perfect.

"The second half was Ranieri's fault. He made two changes that improved his team and gave us problems that we didn't have in the first half.

"I also think there was some fatigue in some of my players. A few factors made the second half not as good as the first.

"We were intense without the ball and with the ball. Without the ball we pressed, we kept Mitrovic away from goal.

"With the ball it was simple, one or two touches. We were really good.

"We needed it. The last three matches we didn't lose, but didn't win.

"Now we have two away matches, then two at home. Let's see if we can get more points from those matches.

"The players have shown they can be a better team than they are. When there is solidarity in the team, everyone giving their maximum, you attract more positive things."



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1056328/Man-Utd-new-Fulham-fans-chanting-hilarious-song-Old-Trafford

[WhiteJC]

 
Darmian would be a superb signing for Fulham

Fulham should look to sign the Manchester United full back Matteo Darmian.

The 29-year-old is currently out of favour at Old Trafford and he needs to leave the club in order to play regular first team football.

Fulham could provide him with the ideal opportunity. Also, working with a top manager like Claudio Ranieri could help him rediscover his form.

The Londoners are in need of defensive additions and Darmian would be superb for them. Since the departure of Fredericks, they have struggled at right back and the Manchester United man would be the ideal signing.

He is unwanted at Old Trafford and therefore it won't be too hard to convince Manchester United to sell. It will come down to the player in the end.

Also, he is unlikely to cost a lot and Fulham could use a bargain right now.

Earlier in the week, Darmian was linked with a move to Fulham. The report claimed that the player prefers a return to Italy.

It will be interesting to see if Ranieri can pull off a masterstroke and convince the right back to join his side.



https://sportslens.com/darmian-would-be-a-superb-signing-for-fulham/252593/