Sunday Fulham Stuff - 25/02/24...

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Results

Saturday 24/02
Villa	4-2	Forest
Brighton	1-1	Everton
Palace	3-0	Burnley
Man Utd	1-2	Fulham
		Bassey Iwobi
Bournemouth	0-1	Man City
Arsenal	4-1	Newcastle

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Manchester United 1-2 Fulham
Manchester United were given a harsh reality check at Old Trafford as Alex Iwobi's injury-time effort gave Fulham only their second Old Trafford victory since 1963.

Four days after new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe spoke of United attempting to knock Manchester City and Liverpool off their perch at the top of the English game, they suffered a major blow to their hopes of Champions League qualification.

Without injured striker Rasmus Hojlund, the hosts were ineffective in attack until the final minute of normal time, when Harry Maguire seemed to have rescued a point for the hosts.

But Iwobi had the final say deep into nine minutes of stoppage time, restoring an advantage initially given to them by Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey, who lashed home the loose ball after his header from a Fulham corner had been blocked by team-mate Timothy Castagne.

The result ended a run of 11 Premier League away games without a win for the west London outfit. Prior to this contest, only Sheffield United had a worse top-flight away record this term.

Neither the defeat nor, more importantly, the performance, will give anyone the belief United will achieve Ratcliffe's lofty aims any time soon.

A sobering reality
There have been a lot of bold claims out of Old Trafford this week.

Ratcliffe has spoken of challenging for major trophies, while Ten Hag has outlined how he and the new co-ownership are aligned in their thinking and the overall direction is positive.

There is nothing like a miserable grey, cold, wet Manchester day to add a large dollop of reality to the situation United find themselves in.

With injury consigning in-form Hojlund to the directors' box, Marcus Rashford was forced to plough a lone furrow up front and made little impact. Ten Hag gave 19-year-old Omari Forson his first start rather than bring in underperforming £82m Brazilian Antony, while Victor Lindelof filled in at left-back in the absence of Luke Shaw, who is set to miss the remainder of the campaign with a muscle problem.

The performance did not smack of a side capable of securing Champions League football next season, which Ratcliffe has made a priority, let alone threatening Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal, who are a long way ahead on this evidence.

Ineos head of sport - and new United football club director - Sir Dave Brailsford was at Old Trafford to see United roar back from 2-0 down to beat Aston Villa on Boxing Day, one of two occasions this season when they had rolled back the years to produce a comeback of thrilling defiance.

When Maguire pounced in the final minute of normal time, it seemed another might be on the cards. United hardly deserved parity. Other than a first-half Diogo Dalot shot that flicked off the outside of a post, Marcus Rashford's angled effort that Leno saved and a Maguire header that sailed over the bar, they had done little of any effectiveness around the Fulham box.

As it turned out, it was to be Fulham who had the final word. Today, there was no papering over the Old Trafford cracks.

A famous Fulham win
It is almost 12 months since Fulham's visit to this stadium for an FA Cup tie that ended in chaos as manager Marco Silva and two of his players were sent off, and what was shaping up to be a famous victory turned into a controversial defeat.

While the visitors mercifully avoided any repeat of that discipline breakdown, they were forced to endure more frustration in a first half they dominated without being able to take one of the numerous chances that came their way.

In exploiting the space available in front of the United backline in transition, Fulham were given the freedom to get clear sights of goal.

Iwobi had two opportunities, the second in particular he should have done better with. Andre Onana saved from Rodrigo Muniz and former United midfielder Andreas Pereira. The Cameroon keeper probably earned his luck in the first instance, when the rebound struck Sasa Lukic at close range and the ball bounced inches wide.

Muniz, aiming to become the fourth Fulham player - after Louis Saha, Collins John and Manor Solomon - to score in four successive Premier League games, rolled Lindelof in the penalty area, then fired against the outside of a post with Onana beaten.

At the interval, the fear among the visiting contingent must have been that, after being so flat for so long, their hosts had to improve.

But they didn't and Bassey lashed home his first Fulham goal with a decisiveness lacking from United's play.

Even after Maguire's leveller, Fulham would not be denied as Iwobi finally found the target to give the Cottagers a famous win.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68324369

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Manchester United 1-2 Fulham

A sensational 2-1 win saw Fulham pick up their first victory at Old Trafford for 21 years on Saturday afternoon.

After dominating the hosts with an imperious performance, a second half Calvin Bassey thunderbolt was cancelled out by Harry Maguire before Alex Iwobi struck late to grab a deserved three points.

Marco Silva made six changes from the side that were edged out by Aston Villa a week ago at Craven Cottage. Calvin Bassey & Alex Iwobi, fresh from their AFCON exploits with Nigeria were re-inserted into the starting XI along with Harrison Reed, Saša Lukić, Tosin & Harry Wilson. With João Palhinha suspended it would be Reed and Lukić who would be tasked with adding steel to our midfield in hostile surroundings.

Fulham started in a composed and organised fashion. With the hosts struggling to maintain possession, we were successfully finding pockets of space in the opposition half. After some neat interchanges and a quick tempo, it was Iwobi who had the first good chance of the game in the 14th minute. A long ball was expertly headed into the path of the Nigerian midfielder by Rodrigo Muniz, but his effort went wide from just outside the box.

In the 18th minute, with Fulham growing in confidence, Iwobi again had a superb chance to test André Onana in the United goal. A swift counterattack and a delightful sequence with Wilson saw the defence part with overloads present on each flank. Despite time to pick his spot the shot went a fraction wide of the post.

With the theatre of dreams silenced into an atmosphere tantamount to a lazy summer's afternoon at Lord's a rasping drive from Diogo Dalot skimmed the outside of the post and briefly awoke the fans from their stupor.

In the 33rd minute we were knocking on the door once again. Iwobi this time turned provider as a perfect ball across the box found the feet of Muniz. With plenty still to do the in-form striker manufactured some space expertly using power and poise before thundering a right-footed shot off the outside of the post.

After Harry Maguire was fortunate to remain on the pitch for an awfully timed lunge on Lukić, Onana was called into action to parry a sumptuous curling effort from Andreas Pereira wide.

As the referee brought the first half to a close, Manchester United had started to slowly work their way into what had been a one-sided affair. It was a superb first half showing from Fulham, with plenty of endeavour and fluid play.

The second half stuttered to a halt shortly after getting going. An aerial dual between Casemiro & Reed culminated in a nasty clash of heads with both players receiving prolonged treatment.

After dominating proceedings again for the opening spell of the half, Fulham finally made their deserved breakthrough. An out swinging corner from Pereira was planted directly into the path of Bassey at the near post. After snatching at his first effort the ball fortuitously deflected back off Timothy Castagne and to the feet of the powerful defender once again. Second time around his connection was clean, and the ball arrowed into the roof of the net. Deadlock broken in emphatic style.

In the 79th minute a swift counterattack from Fulham almost saw the lead doubled. Excellent work on the edge of our own box from Tom Cairney saw the substitute win possession off Scott McTominay and bounce off a challenge to press forward into the opposition half. With United committed, TC slipped a perfectly weighted ball into the path of Wilson. After opening his body the Welshman curled an effort agonisingly wide of the post.

With 90 seconds of normal time remaining the hosts drew level in scrappy circumstances. A speculative shot from Bruno Fernandes from the edge of the box was parried by Leno. After following the shot in Maguire was on hand to prod the ball home to the delight of the home fans.

With the tide well and truly turning it was Fulham who grabbed victory at the death. With the home fans eagerly anticipating victory, Adama Traore had other ideas. The explosive winger coolly won the ball deep in our own half before surging past two United players and leading the counter. After meandering to the opposition box, the Spaniard took his time to feed Iwobi, who slotted home with aplomb. A move epitomising the composure, collective belief & class shown by Fulham all afternoon long.

A beautfiul victory, and Fulham's first at Old Trafford since 2003.
Man Utd: Onana, Diogo Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Lindelöf (Antony 99'), Mainoo (Diallo 80'), Casemiro (McTominay 53'), Forson (Eriksen 53'), Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho, Rashford

Subs: Bayindir, Amrabat, Eriksen, Diallo, Antony, Evans, McTominay, Kambwala, Collyer

Fulham FC: Leno, Castagne, Tosin, Bassey, Robinson, Reed (Traoré 77'), Lukić, Wilson (Diop 81'), Andreas Pereira (Cairney 68'), Iwobi, Rodrigo Muniz

Subs: Rodák, Tete, Broja, Cairney, Traoré, Ballo-Touré, Ream, De Cordova-Reid, Diop



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/february/24/manchester-united-1-2-fulham/

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Premier League: Fulham get first win at Old Trafford after 20 years
Manchester United seemed toothless sans Hojlund upfront

Alex Iwobi scored deep in stoppage time as Fulham shocked sub-par Manchester United 2-1 in the Premier League on Saturday. It was the London club's first win at Old Trafford since 2003.

Fulham struck first when Calvin Bassey scored in the 65th minute, firing his own rebound into the roof of the net. Defender Harry Maguire equalised for the Red Devils in the 89th minute and the home team looked poised to salvage at least a point. But Iwobi, who earlier squandered two good chances, swept a shot past Andre Onana into the bottom corner of the net in the 97th minute following a counter-attack to leave the home fans shell-shocked.

Erik Ten Hag started Marcus Rashford as a central striker in place of the injured Rasmus Hojlund to little effect. Bruno Fernandes's struggle to find form continued and the United captain also received a yellow card alongside Maguire.

Manchester United, who lost for the first time in six league matches, are sixth in the table on 44 points, eight behind fourth-placed Aston Villa. Fulham are 12th on 32 points.



https://www.theweek.in/news/sports/2024/02/24/football-live-manchester-united-premier-league-fulham-get-first-win-at-old-trafford-after-20-years.html

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Marco Silva hails the Fulham 'way' as Alex Iwobi strikes late winner at Manchester United
Cottagers seal only second away win in the Premier League this season

Marco Silva hailed his Fulham side following their dramatic 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Alex Iwobi struck deep into stoppage time to hand the Cottagers their first Premier League win at the Theatre of Dreams in 21 years, minutes after Harry Maguire looked to have secured the hosts a point following Calvin Bassey's opener.

It was only Fulham's second away win of the season and Silva's side proved good value for it. The in-form Rodrigo Muniz smacked the post in the first-half, one of a number of good chances Fulham squandered before their late show.

Silva was pleased with the attacking enterprise his team showed, claiming Fulham simply will not change their "way" either home or away.

"I'm pleased how we played at the start of the second half," said the Portuguese.

"After we scored we knew there would be a reaction. We tried to play offside for their goal but there was not the synchronisation we wanted and as they pushed, we showed the mentality which we had missed in other away games. It was a great counter and a great finish.

"The players deserve great credit because they understood the plan and executed the plan. It was an open game, we don't change away or at home. This is our way."

The win takes the west London side to within three points of rivals Chelsea in the top of half of the table, albeit the Blues will have a game in hand as they contest Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/man-utd-vs-fulham-silva-premier-league-2024-b1141320.html

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THE NOTEBOOK: Man United show pride with homegrown attack, Fulham finally dismiss their away day blues and it's an unhappy birthday for out-of-favour Antony

    Fulham secured a shock win over United at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon
    They had not won at ground since 2003 and have a poor away record this year

Manchester United suffered what could be considered a shock defeat at the hands of Fulham on Saturday as their good run of form came to an end.

Harry Maguire thought he had given his side a point late on when he fired in from Bernd Leno's error, but Alex Iwobi was on hand to score a later-than-late winner to ensure the points headed back to London.

The result brought an end to a five-game winning run for United - four in the Premier League - and left them eight points off of a top four spot.

It was the worst possible start to the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era, and reminded the British billionaire that there's a lot of work to be done at the club.

Mail Sport's Nathan Salt takes a look at some of things you may have missed from United's victory at Kenilworth Road.


Manchester United suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Fulham on Saturday afternoon


The result brought an end to a four-game winning run from Erik ten Hag's side in the league
 

United were far from their best and are now eight points off the top four in the top division

AWAY DAY BLUES? NOT SO FAST
All the stats could do when Fulham pitched up here at Old Trafford was to remind them how unhappy a hunting ground this has been for them.

The Cottagers arrived with the second worst away record in the Premier League this season and had not won at Old Trafford since a 3-1 win back in 2003.

Even that win 21 years ago was their only three points here from 16 visits in the league.

Well, it was nice of United to help reset the clock with an abject display to send Fulham on their way. Marco Silva's history makers.


Fulham won at Old Trafford for the first time since 2003, which was their only win from 16 visits in the league
 

The Cottagers had the second worst away record in the league and were heavy underdogs

CARRINGTON KIDS PAY OFF
The defeat will sting but there will be immense pride at United that they fielded a front three from the start that all came through their famed youth academy.

For all the money United have spent - a recent UEFA report crowned United with the most expensively assembled squad in Europe - it was three academy kids leading the line in Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Omari Forson, costing a total £325,000.

Now there's value for money...

FULHAM COULDN'T HANDLE GARNACHO
Alejandro Garnacho is a slippery customer for a lot of Premier League teams but he proved a nightmare for Fulham.

In the first half alone he drew bookings on four Fulham players in Tosin Adarabioyo, Andreas Pereira, Alex Iwobi and Harry Wilson.

From a Fulham perspective it was at least Garnacho with his face buried in the turf as Iwobi scored the winner.

PENNY FOR ANTONY'S THOUGHTS
So much for a Happy Birthday.

The £86million winger must be wondering what his future holds after he was again overlooked, this time for 19-year-old Forson.

Antony hasn't started a Premier League game this year and it was quite telling that Ten Hag intimated on Friday that the Brazilian needs to prove himself on the training ground before another opportunity comes his way.

Of his 20 league games so far this season he hasn't managed a single goal or assist - albeit he got seconds at the end here to try and change that.

Given how hard Ten Hag fought to get him, it feels like his stock in the eyes of his manager has never been lower than it is right now.

NEW BALLS PLEASE
This weekend marked the introduction of the new 'Nike Flight Match Ball'.

It's been four months of the Hi-Vis winter ball and so this is the third instalment of the season and this will take us to the conclusion of 2023-24.

United will hope for more luck with it moving forward, however.


This weekend marked the introduction of the new 'Nike Flight Match Ball' in the Premier League

U18S KEEPER
A quick nod to the U18s where they were met with the peculiar situation of running out of outfield subs.

3-0 up against Middlesbrough, United turned to Cameron Byrne-Hughes, a goalkeeper, to come on outfield.

He looked as surprised as everyone else as he had to ask to borrow a team-mate's shirt.

Certainly a day to remember.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13121497/THE-NOTEBOOK-Man-United-Fulham.html

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"It's the story of our season": Harry Maguire pinpoints why "naive" Man United lost vs. Fulham
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has blamed consistent injuries and the absence of Rasmus Hojlund for the team's loss at the hands of Fulham on Saturday.

United suffered their 10th Premier League defeat of the campaign after being beaten 2-1 by Marco Silva's men at Old Trafford.

Goals from Calvin Bassey and a late dagger from Alex Iwobi ended United's run of victories since the start of the year.

United's only goal was scored by Maguire, who tapped in a spilt save from Bernd Leno after the goalkeeper failed to clutch onto a powerful Bruno Fernandes shot.

Even worse for the Red Devils is that their direct rivals in the top four race, Aston Villa, beat Nottingham Forest 4-2 to go eight points clear.

With 12 games left, it's looking increasingly likely that United will miss out on the top four.

After the final whistle, Maguire spoke to MUTV and gave his verdict on the match.

The centre-back branded his side "naive" for the manner in which they conceded the second goal – the team was hit on the break while high up the pitch in search of a winner.

Maguire said, "We didn't do enough for the first 60 minutes or so, we started the game not great. First half was pretty even. When you're not playing at your best and things aren't going quite right for you you've got to do the basics right, set-pieces is part of that."

"Disappointed on that aspect; the reaction was brilliant [1-0 down]. When we equalised there was probably only one team who would go on to win the game but we were probably just a little bit naive in the end."

The 30-year-old suggested that if Rasmus Hojlund were fir and available, the result would have probably been different.

"We got hit by the injury to Rasmus, who has been a big focal point for us but it is up to us to find the solutions and the areas we need to improve on."

Maguire added, "He [Hojlund] has been our focal point, we can play into him, he holds it up, he starts the press really well, not only that but Marcus has been playing really well on the left."

"It's the story of our season, we've been injury-hit – as other teams have – and we need to find a solution quick."

It doesn't get easier for United. Up next is an FA Cup clash against Nottingham Forest before a daunting task vs. Manchester City at the Etihad next Sunday.


https://thepeoplesperson.com/2024/02/24/its-the-story-of-our-season-harry-maguire-pinpoints-why-naive-man-united-lost-vs-fulham-276557/

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Richard Keys insists Harry Maguire 'shouldn't have been on the pitch' to score for Man United in their 2-1 defeat to Fulham... after Red Devils defender avoided a red card for clumsy tackle on Sasa Lukic

    Manc United defender Harry Maguire avoided a red card after a foul on Lukic
    He went on to equalise for Red Devils before Alex Iwobi's late winner for Fulham

Richard Keys has insisted Harry Maguire should not have been on the pitch to score Manchester United's equaliser against Fulham.

The Red Devils were dealt a surprise 2-1 defeat to Marco Silva's side, despite the England centre-back getting United level with just a few minutes remaining.

Maguire got Erik ten Hag's side level with one minute remaining of normal time via a close-range finish after Calvin Bassey had put the visitors level.

But United went on to lose through Alex Iwobi's late strike for the Cottagers, and Keys believes Maguire should have seen red earlier in the match for a nasty foul on Sasa Lukic.

Following the defender's equaliser at Old Trafford, Keys wrote on X: 'Inevitably Maguire equalises. He shouldn't even be on the pitch. I'm sure Silva will make that very point.'

The beIN Sport presenter had earlier said: 'Harry Maguire is a very lucky boy. As clear a red as you'll see all weekend and he was only booked by Michael Oliver.'

'VAR is a waste of time when Oliver refs. No-one will contradict him.'

Maguire clambered into Lukic's ankle in the first half, though the foul was deemed a yellow card offence by referee Michael Oliver.

It comes just days after Keys vocalised his views on VAR operators being 'scared' of Michael Oliver.

He claimed that VAR operators are scared of Michael Oliver and simply rubberstamp the official's decisions because they are 'scared'.

Oliver was embroiled in controversy during Liverpool's 4-1 victory against Brentford, having waved away penalty appeals from Ivan Toney after he received a shove in the back from Andy Robertson inside the box.


Maguire lunged in on Fulham's Sasa Lukic's ankle, but walked away with just a yellow
 

Alex Iwobi score deep into stoppage-time to hand Marco Silva's men all three points

The experienced referee waved play on and his decision stood after a VAR check.

'What has happened to VAR? David Coote [VAR official] went missing because he knows that Oliver is never going to accept someone he regards as inferior sending him to a monitor.

'Operators are scared of Oliver so they back off.' 

'We know this because Mike Dean admitted as much early in the season. Refs help their mates out and duck controversy.'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13121547/Richard-Keys-insists-Harry-Maguire-shouldnt-pitch-Man-Uniteds-equaliser-against-Fulham-challenge-Sasa-Lukic.html

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Marco Silva says Fulham were worthy of their Old Trafford win
Alex Iwobi's last-gasp goal earned them an impressive away victory.


Marco Silva said his side were worthy winners (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Wire)

Fulham boss Marco Silva had no doubt his side got what they deserved after snatching a dramatic stoppage-time win at Manchester United on Saturday.

Alex Iwobi struck in the 97th minute as the Cottagers responded to an 89th-minute equaliser from Harry Maguire to claim a stunning 2-1 Premier League success at Old Trafford.

It was the London side's first win at the ground since 2003 and, after creating the majority of the chances throughout the game and taking a 65th-minute lead through Calvin Bassey, Silva felt it was merited.

Silva said: "Definitely, it is clear in my opinion the better team on the pitch won the game. We are the team that created the most chances, that played better and tried to win most of the moments of the game.

"We created a very good number of chances in the first half. They had two or three very good moments as well but the way we started the second half, the first 30 minutes, the way we controlled the game against Man Utd at Old Trafford, that is not easy to do.

"We scored and after came the normal reaction from Man Utd, the crowd played a big part in their reaction, and we conceded a bit of an unlucky goal.

"In that moment we showed a strong mentality. It was first a moment for us not to concede the second as Old Trafford was on fire but we showed a strong mentality and even before the 2-1 we had a strong chance from Rodri (Muniz).

"It was a really well-deserved three points and the best team won."

Fulham's success punctured some of the optimism that has swept into Old Trafford this week following the completion of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's partial takeover.

The defeat was United's 10th of the campaign in the Premier League, ending a four-game winning streak, and was a setback to their hopes of reaching the top four.

Manager Erik Ten Hag, however, dismissed the suggestion his team's Champions League hopes had been dented and highlighted the overall picture.

The Dutchman said: "After these two months I can't go with that approach. We have gone lately very good but now we have some setbacks.

"Today we could have won this game. We should have won this game as the team showed great character.

"We had two slow starts in both halves, definitely. It was a big loss to lose Casemiro (to injury), we lost some stability in the team and conceded a goal that is very avoidable, but then fought back in the game.

"I have to credit the team – they showed great character. We went for the win but by the end we let them slip away.

"But after one defeat you have to see the bigger picture and the bigger picture looks very good.

"We have to catch up in certain positions and get the injuries back, then we will be more in balance and also strengthen the squad in the transfer windows.

"You see there are many good players coming up and real high potential players, so definitely we are going in the right direction. When we have the players available, we have a very good team."



https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/marco-silva-alex-iwobi-erik-ten-hag-manchester-united-premier-league-b2501985.html

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Dismal defeat to Fulham shows magnitude of Man United rebuild
MANCHESTER, England -- Manchester United started the week with new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe declaring that he has arrived to "knock Manchester City off their perch" and ended it with a defeat at home to a team with one of the worst away records in the Premier League.

If ever there was a day to remind Ratcliffe, the 71-year-old British billionaire, how big a job he faces as United's part-owner, then this was it.

Only bottom side Sheffield United had won fewer points on the road this season, but Fulham were still able to win 2-1 at Old Trafford. It was their first away win since August and, having been the better team for the most of the game, it was deserved.

United looked like they had salvaged an unlikely point through Harry Maguire's 89th-minute equaliser but then conspired to concede Fulham's winner in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

It has, at times, been a calamitous campaign for United and manager Erik ten Hag and this was yet another example. Ratcliffe wasn't in the stands but his man-on-the-ground Sir Dave Brailsford was. It was a performance that will do nothing to convince those who will now decide which direction the club takes that Ten Hag is the man to lead the new era.

Ten Hag is adamant that he is.

"You have to see the bigger picture and the bigger picture looks very good," Ten Hag insisted. "We have to get the injuries back then we will be more in balance and also strengthen the squad in the transfer windows.

"There are, coming up, many good players and high-potential players, so definitely we are going in the right direction. So when they are available we have a very good team."

The issue, though, is whether Ratcliffe and Brailsford are on the same page and it won't help that the first game since confirmation of the partial takeover was up there with United's worst performances of the season.

Fulham, without their best player, João Palhinha, because of suspension, dominated the first half and created two good chances for Alex Iwobi. Rodrigo Muniz, a handful up front, hit the post and former United midfielder Andreas Pereira brought a good save from André Onana.

It was a poor first half from Ten Hag's team but, somehow, they managed to get even worse after the break, and when Calvin Bassey scored his first Fulham goal to put the visitors ahead, it was no surprise.

United only decided to start playing in the final minutes and scrambled an equaliser through Maguire. They looked the most likely to find a winner in nine minutes of injury time, but their defensive vulnerability was exposed. Substitute Adama Traoré skipped past Maguire and passed for Iwobi to score and hand Fulham their first win at Old Trafford for 21 years.

As the final whistle went, Alejandro Garnacho, United's best player, lay face down in the turf and the Fulham fans began to sing, "How s--- must you be, we're winning away."

It needed a last-gasp winner, but it certainly wasn't a smash-and-grab.

"It is clear in my opinion the better team on the pitch won the game," Fulham boss Marco Silva said. "We are the team that created the most chances, that played better and tried to win most of the moments of the game."

It was a damning assessment.

As he has done so often this season, Ten Hag was keen to point to his growing injury list as the major factor in United's poor season. Against Fulham, he was without Luke Shaw and Rasmus Højlund, as well as long-term absentees Lisandro Martínez and Mason Mount.

It meant the Dutch manager was forced to pick Victor Lindelöf at left-back and hand a full debut to 19-year-old forward Omari Forson. It didn't help that Casemiro left the game early because of a head injury but then Fulham weren't at full strength either because of Palhinha's suspension and injuries to Raúl Jiménez and Willian.

"We don't have a left full-back," Ten Hag said. "Then the drop out of Casemiro, a big drop out. Licha Martinez [is out] but still we have players in the squad and still today we could win this game and we should."

After a five-game winning run was halted by Fulham, this is now a very big week for Ten Hag.

On Wednesday, he has got an FA Cup fifth round tie with Nottingham Forest (stream it live on ESPN+, U.S. only) before a derby against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Two positive results and Ten Hag can continue to claim, with some merit, that he should get the first shot at success under Ratcliffe. But two further setbacks to go with a nightmare display against Fulham and his words will begin to feel very empty.

Ratcliffe's arrival has put everyone on notice that they are fighting for their place on the journey to get back to the top of English football. Less than a week after Ratcliffe's investment finally got the green light, Ten Hag's audition got off to the worst possible start.



https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/39589727/dismal-defeat-fulham-shows-magnitude-man-united-rebuild

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'Clearly the best team won!' - Marco Silva proud of Fulham for 'controlling' the game in late win against Manchester United
Marco Silva believes that the "best team won" and feels proud of Fulham for "controlling" the game in their late win against Manchester United.

    Fulham beat United 2-1 at Old Trafford
    Iwobi scored an injury-time winner
    Cottagers coach Silva basking in glory

WHAT HAPPENED?

Fulham pulled off a stunning upset against the Red Devils, to secure their second victory at Old Trafford since 1963, thanks to Alex Iwobi's injury-time goal. Calvin Bassey capitalised on a defensive lapse to open the scoring and when it seemed that Harry Maguire's late equaliser salvaged a point for the hosts, Iwobi struck to break United hearts.

Silva naturally loved what he saw from the sidelines and the manager made it a point to rub the defeat on the faces of their more illustrious opponent by claiming that they were the better team over the course of the 90 minutes.

WHAT SILVA SAID

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Silva said: "It is a big win for us. For sure, a great feeling for our fans, who were loud from the first to the last whistle. The players deserved it, clearly, the best team won the game. We were the team which played better, created more chances and had more control of the game.

"It is a fantastic feeling for us to come here and win against a side in a good run of form. We knew we would have to play at a high level and that's what we did. They had two or three moments as well, they are a quality team but we controlled it very well. I'm pleased how we played at the start of the second half."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

United struggled to assert themselves in attack in the absence of injured striker Rasmus Hojlund and they were made to pay dearly for looking toothless in front of goal. It was their 10th defeat in the Premier League and this one was a mortal blow to their hopes of Champions League qualification as they now find themselves eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.

DID YOU KNOW?

Iwobi's goal, timed at 96 minutes and four seconds, happened to be the second-latest winning goal ever scored against United in the Premier League and the latest by a visiting team at Old Trafford since the 2006-07 season.

WHAT NEXT?

The result ended Fulham's 11-game winless streak on the road in the Premier League. After the morale-boosting win, they host Brighton next Saturday at Craven Cottage. Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag has a lot to ponder upon before facing Nottingham Forest in a fifth-round FA Cup tie on Wednesday evening.



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/best-team-marco-silva-fulham-game-win-manchester-united/blt42da28f382f07589#csce7aaedf4632e462

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Marco Silva delivers verdict on Fulham fans v Manchester United
Fulham boss Marco Silva has praised the club's travelling fans after a memorable 2-1 victory away at Manchester United.

What a day for everybody connected to Fulham.

Last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa was a disappointment and few were backing Silva to grab a result against a resurgent United side.

Fulham were superb at Old Trafford though and after an outstanding first-half performance, Calvin Bassey smashed home the opener in the second half.

Harry Maguire appeared to have reduced a late point for United but they weren't counting on a late twist.

Adama Traore turned into the Road Runner, blazing past United players late on before teeing up Alex Iwobi to fire home a last-gasp winner.

Fulham have ended a wait of more than 20 years for a win at Old Trafford and boss Silva has now praised the travelling fans...

Marco Silva hails Fulham supporters
Silva has told BBC Sport that the Fulham fans were 'loud' through the game against United, driving his side onto victory.

Silva noted that Fulham were the better side throughout and ultimately 'created more chances' than United.

The Fulham boss added that the victory was a 'fantastic feeling' and felt that his players really performed at a high level at Old Trafford.

"It is a big win for us. For sure, a great feeling for our fans, who were loud from the first to the last whistle," said Silva. "The players deserved it, clearly the best team won the game. We were the team which played better, created more chances and had more control of the game."

"It is a fantastic feeling for us to come here and win against a side in a good run of form. We knew we would have to play at a high level and that's what we did," he added.

Fulham's victory is made even more impressive when you factor in the absence of Joao Palhinha.

Silva's midfield maestro was ruled out through suspension, meaning Harrison Reed and Sasa Lukic came in to the side.

Both produced battling performances to see Fulham home to victory, stepping up when needed with Palhinha out.

Losing a midfielder like Palhinha is of course an enormous blow, but seeing his replacements step up to the occasion will be a source of real delight for the Fulham boss tonight, as will the exceptional support from the travelling Fulham fans.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/02/24/marco-silva-delivers-verdict-on-fulham-fans-v-manchester-united/

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"Clearly..." – Fulham boss on "dominant" win against Manchester United
Marco Silva feels that the "best team won" and expressed pride in Fulham for "controlling" the game during their late triumph against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Fulham achieved a remarkable upset against the Red Devils, securing only their second victory at Old Trafford since 1963, thanks to Alex Iwobi's injury-time goal.

Calvin Bassey capitalised on a defensive error to score the opener, and just when it appeared that Harry Maguire's late equaliser would salvage a point for the hosts, Iwobi dashed United's hopes with his decisive strike.

Silva, observing from the sidelines, naturally savoured the moment, emphasising Fulham's superiority throughout the 90 minutes by claiming that they outperformed their more esteemed opponents.

The Fulham boss told BBC Match of The Day: "It is a big win for us. For sure, a great feeling for our fans, who were loud from the first to the last whistle. The players deserved it, clearly, the best team won the game. We were the team which played better, created more chances and had more control of the game."

Manchester United suffer shock defeat to Fulham
In the absence of injured striker Rasmus Hojlund, Manchester United found it challenging to make an impact in attack, resulting in a costly defeat. Their lack of cutting edge in front of goal proved costly as they suffered their 10th Premier League loss.

This defeat dealt a severe blow to their Champions League qualification aspirations, leaving them eight points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa.

Iwobi's goal, scored at 96 minutes and four seconds, stands as the second-latest winning goal ever scored against Manchester United in the Premier League and the latest by a visiting team at Old Trafford since the 2006/07 season.

The outcome marked the end of Fulham's 11-game winless streak on the road in the Premier League.

Following this morale-boosting victory, they will host Brighton at Craven Cottage next Saturday. Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag has much to consider before his team faces Nottingham Forest in a fifth-round FA Cup tie on Wednesday evening.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/02/24/clearly-fulham-boss-on-dominant-win-against-manchester-united/

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Marco Silva makes bold claim after Fulham stun Man Utd with late winner
Fulham snatched a dramatic stoppage-time win at Manchester United on Saturday with Alex Iwobi striking in the 97th minute to claim a stunning 2-1 Premier League success

Fulham boss Marco Silva was over the moon with his team's last-minute victory against Manchester United. Alex Iwobi scored the winning goal in extra time, leading the London-based team to a 2-1 triumph at Old Trafford.

It was Fulham's first win on United's turf since 2003. After observing Fulham dominate most of the match and take the lead with a 65th minute goal, Silva believed that victory was well-deserved.

With no hesitation, Silva shared: "Definitely, it is clear in my opinion the better team on the pitch won the game. We are the team that created the most chances, that played better and tried to win most of the moments of the game.

"We created a very good number of chances in the first half. They had two or three very good moments as well but the way we started the second half, the first 30 minutes, the way we controlled the game against Man Utd at Old Trafford, that is not easy to do.

"We scored and after came the normal reaction from Man Utd, the crowd played a big part in their reaction, and we conceded a bit of an unlucky goal."

Silva took pride in how Fulham responded once they conceded, saying: "In that moment we showed a strong mentality. It was first a moment for us not to concede the second as Old Trafford was on fire but we showed a strong mentality and even before the 2-1 we had a strong chance from Rodri (Muniz)."

"It was a really well-deserved three points and the best team won."

Fulham's win has put a bit of a damper on the excitement at Old Trafford after Sir Jim Ratcliffe bought part of the club. United have now lost 10 times in the Premier League this season, and their run of four wins has come to an end. This loss hurts their chances of getting into the top four.

But United's boss Erik Ten Hag isn't too worried about the impact on their Champions League dreams. He's looking at the bigger picture.

"After these two months I can't go with that approach. We have gone lately very good but now we have some setbacks.

"Today we could have won this game. We should have won this game as the team showed great character.

"We had two slow starts in both halves, definitely. It was a big loss to lose Casemiro (to injury), we lost some stability in the team and conceded a goal that is very avoidable, but then fought back in the game.

"I have to credit the team they showed great character. We went for the win but by the end we let them slip away.

"But after one defeat you have to see the bigger picture and the bigger picture looks very good.

"We have to catch up in certain positions and get the injuries back, then we will be more in balance and also strengthen the squad in the transfer windows.

"You see there are many good players coming up and real high potential players, so definitely we are going in the right direction. When we have the players available, we have a very good team.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/marco-silva-makes-bold-claim-28699145

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Iwobi Strikes Late As Fulham Beat Man Utd At Old Trafford
Manchester United were given a harsh reality check at Old Trafford as Alex Iwobi's injury-time effort gave Fulham their second Old Trafford victory since 1963.

Four days after new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, spoke of United attempting to knock Manchester City and Liverpool off their perch at the top of the English game, they suffered a major blow to their hopes of Champions League qualification.

Without injured striker Rasmus Hojlund, the hosts were ineffective in attack until the final minute of normal time, when Harry Maguire seemed to have rescued a point for the hosts.

But Iwobi had the final say deep into nine minutes of stoppage time, restoring an advantage initially given to them by Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey, who lashed home the loose ball after his header from a Fulham corner had been blocked by team-mate Timothy Castagne.

The result ended a run of 11 Premier League away games without a win for the West London outfit. Prior to this contest, only Sheffield United had a worse top-flight away record this term.

Neither the defeat nor, more importantly, the performance, will give anyone the belief United will achieve Ratcliffe's lofty aims any time soon.



https://leadership.ng/iwobi-strikes-late-as-fulham-beat-man-utd-at-old-trafford/

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Silva: Fulham deserved Old Trafford triumph
Marco Silva had no doubt that Fulham fully deserved their dramatic victory at Manchester United.

Alex Iwobi's 97th-minute goal secured a memorable triumph for the Whites – their win first at Old Trafford since 2003.

"It was clear that the better team on the pitch won the game," said boss Silva.

"We were the team, that created the most chances, played better and tried to win most of the moments of the game.

"The way we played against Manchester United at Old Trafford, it's not easy to do, but we did it. We didn't give anything to them."

Harry Maguire's 89th-minute equaliser cancelled out Calvin Bassey's goal and looked like rescuing a point for United, but Iwobi scored deep into stoppage time.

Silva said: "We conceded an unlucky goal and, in that moment,, we showed a strong mentality.

"Old Trafford was on fire and the crowd believed it was a time in which we could have gone and conceded a second.

"Instead we showed great spirit to not only not concede a second, but to go onto win the game. We have conceded some late goals already this season. Even in the game between these teams at Craven Cottage, United won that game in the last minute too.

"Today, they equalise, it was a moment we had to be really strong mentally to keep the result and of course, try to win in any moment you have the chance."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-fulham-deserved-old-trafford-triumph

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BBC Sport pundit harshly claims one Fulham player is 'rubbish' despite beating Man Utd
Chris Sutton has slammed Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno despite the 2-1 victory over Manchester United on Saturday afternoon.

Few were backing Fulham to get anything at Old Trafford.

United came into this game in great form but Fulham bossed them in the first half and should have found the net at least once.

The goal was worth the wait though as Calvin Bassey smashed home the opener, firing a powerful strike beyond Andre Onana.

Fulham looked to have thrown it away at the end as Harry Maguire brought United level, only for Alex Iwobi to spring a surprise.

Iwobi fired home Adama Traore's pass to give Fulham the win, sending the travelling fans home very, very happy.

Chris Sutton claims Bernd Leno
Maguire's leveller was a real sickener as Bernd Leno parried a Bruno Fernandes shot straight into the path of Maguire.

Leno should have held onto the shot or pushed it further away from goal, sparking criticism from pundit.

Sutton told BBC Sport that Leno is 'rubbish' and believes that boss Marco Silva would feel the same way.

"Bernd Leno is rubbish," said Sutton. "Marco Silva will tell you the same thing after the game it's a comfortable height for him to gather," he added.

We would argue that 'rubbish' is a little harsh on Leno.

Even BBC Sport added that Sutton's take was a 'bit harsh', seemingly baffled by their own pundit's criticism!

The German maybe isn't in tip-top form right now but he still made some important saves against United.

Leno racked up seven saves against United, the most saves he has made in a game since the 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United in December.

Leno would no doubt accept that his goalkeeping on Maguire's leveller wasn't his best moment, but we are sure that he still has the backing of most Fulham fans right now.

The former Arsenal man certainly won't care about Sutton's criticism tonight, having helped Fulham claim a superb victory in Manchester.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/02/24/bbc-sport-pundit-harshly-claims-one-fulham-player-is-rubbish-despite-beating-man-utd/

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Fulham's Marco Silva hails "strong mentality" after "well-deserved" win at Manchester United
Marco Silva has heaped praise on his Fulham side for showing a "strong mentality" in their "well-deserved" 2-1 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Cottagers entered the contest on the back of an 11-game winless run on the road, while they last celebrated success on the red side of Manchester back in 2003.

After a tepid first half in which clear-cut chances were at a premium, Fulham came out of the blocks after the interval and deservedly opened the scoring on the 65-minute mark when the ball kindly fell to Calvin Bassey, who lashed home a loose ball inside the penalty area.

Man United thought they had rescued a point in the 89th minute when Bernd Leno parried the ball straight into the path of Harry Maguire, who tapped home from close range.

The Red Devils, roared on by the Old Trafford faithful, pushed for a late winner, but it was the Cottagers who had the final say deep into stoppage time when Alex Iwobi completed a counter-attack, instigated by a powerful run from Adama Traore, with a smart finish into the bottom corner.

Speaking at a post-match press conference, Silva said: "It is clear in my opinion the better team on the pitch won the game. We are the team that created the most chances, that played better and tried to win most of the moments of the game.

"We created a very good number of chances in the first half. They had two or three very good moments as well but the way we started the second half, the first 30 minutes, the way we controlled the game against Man United at Old Trafford - that is not easy to do.

"We scored and after came the normal reaction from Man United, the crowd played a big part in their reaction, and we conceded a bit of an unlucky goal.

"In that moment we showed a strong mentality. It was first a moment for us not to concede the second as Old Trafford was on fire but we showed a strong mentality and even before the 2-1 we had a strong chance from Rodrigo [Muniz].

"It was a really well-deserved three points and the best team won."

Asked about the impact of both Bassey and Iwobi, who were handed their first starts for Fulham since returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty with losing finalists Nigeria, Silva said: "They know really well how they are important for us. This afternoon just showed how much we have missed them.

"They are two really important players for us. I remember the last game they played together, before the Man United game, was at home against Arsenal and we won 2-1 as well, they were really important for us that afternoon.

"We are a team, a group of players, even without Joao Palhinha and Willian, who have both been so important for us, we are much more than [one] player, we have shown that we are a team."

Fulham remain 12th in the Premier League table despite beating Man United, but they have moved to within three points of the top 10, while they are also 12 points clear of the bottom three.

Silva and co will hope to build on their victory at Old Trafford when they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Craven Cottage for their next Premier League game on March 2.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/news/silva-hails-fulhams-strong-mentality-after-well-deserved-win-at-man-utd_537507.html?newsnow

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Iwobi stuns Old Trafford with stoppage-time winner
A penny for the thoughts of the Nigerian keyboard warriors. Alex Iwobi came off social media in the aftermath of abusive comments after the Super Eagles were beaten in the African Cup of Nations final earlier this month, but he scored a stoppage-time winner to seal Fulham's first win at Manchester United in more than two decades. His compatriot Calvin Bassey had fired Marco Silva's side into the lead for the third Old Trafford fixture in succession, but the visitors showed serious mettle to recover from conceding Harry Maguire's 89th minute equaliser to earn a deserved win eight minutes later as Iwobi drilled home a precise pass from the rapid Adama Traore.

This wasn't a backs-to-the-wall effort that required heroic defending. Silva's side might easily have been out of sight by half-time if they had been able to finish a series of chances fashioned by a combination of incisive play in the final third and United's lethargy and disorganisation. The Portuguese head coach selected Sasa Lukic to replace the suspended Joao Palhinha and the Serbian responded with his strongest showing in a white shirt.

Fulham's forward line was enlivened by the introduction of Iwobi, who had come off the bench to threaten a comeback in last weekend's defeat by Aston Villa, and the Nigerian typified the travelling side's sense of ambition. He shot wide from just outside the area after Rodrigo Muniz had outjumped Harry Maguire and before failing to hit the target after racing through on Andre Onana after a wonderful ball from Harry Wilson had unlocked the home defence.

United, robbed of the red hot Rasmus Hojland, hardly featured as an attacking force bar a rasping drive from Diego Dalot and Alejandro Garnacho's curler, which was headed off the line by Antonee Robinson. Marcus Rashford struggled to make an impression with Tosin Adarabioyo excelling onto his return to Manchester and the teenage winger Omari Forson's first start lasted only 52 minutes. Andreas Pereira extended Onana with a curler before Muniz turned Victor Lindelof inside out and smacked the outside of the post having been found by Iwobi.

The home side did up the intensity before half time with Garnacho drifting from the left flank and seeing his strike splendidly saved by Leno, but Fulham began purposely after the interval. Antonee Robinson advanced into the United penalty area but his low cross couldn't be converted by either Muniz or Pereira, who arrived late at the far post. Harrison Reed nearly embarassed Onana with a right-wing cross but the Whites went ahead from Pereira's corner. Bassey's first shot struck Timothy Castagne, but the defender drilled the follow up high into the net to score his first Fulham goal.

Bruno Fernandes, who broke Fulham hearts at Craven Cottage in November, shot straight at Leno and then whipped a corner onto the head of Harry Maguire, who nodded over when it seemed easier to score. The England international, fortunate to have only been booked after a horrible late lunge at Lukic, made amends with a minute to play, following up after Leno had failed to hold Fernandes' effort. Maguire had started the move himself, holding the ball up like a centre forward before spreading the play wide, and showed a striker's instinct to snaffle up the rebound in the six-yard.

It seemed as if Silva's hopes of emulating Chris Coleman's class of 2003 had been cruelly extinguished once again. The home fans and players scented a chance to steal all three points, but the Whites held firm. They went close to restoring the lead when Rodrigo Muniz headed Castagne's cross wide before Traore tore away from Maguire, accelerating towards the penalty area before finding Iwobi, whose low finish nestled in the bottom corner with Onana rooted to the middle of the goal. On the 31st anniversary of the passing of Bobby Moore, Fulham could celebrate a special victory that seemed a long time coming.

MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Onana; Dalot, Lindelof (Antony 90), Maguire, Varane; Casemiro (McTominay 53), Mainoo (Diallo 80); Forson (Eriksen 53), Garnacho, Fernandes; Rashford. Subs (not used): Bayindir, Evans, Amrabat.

BOOKED: Maguire.

GOAL: Maguire (89).

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, A. Robinson, Adarabioyo, Bassey; Reed (Traore 77), Lukic; Wilson (Diop 81), Iwobi, Pereira (Cairney 68); Muniz. Subs (not used): Rodak, Tete, Ballo-Toure, Ream, De Cordova-Reid, Broja.

BOOKED: Adarabioyo, Pereira, Wilson, Leno.

GOALS: Bassey (65), Iwobi (90+7).

REFEREE: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).

ATTENDANCE: 73,487.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/02/iwobi-stuns-old-trafford-with-stoppage-time-winner/

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Silva savours 'a big win'
Marco Silva was delighted after Alex Iwobi's stoppage-time winner secured Fulham's first win at Manchester United for more than two decades.

The Fulham head coach told BBC Sport's Match of the Day:

"It is a big win for us. For sure, a great feeling for our fans, who were loud from the first to the last whistle. The players deserved it, clearly the best team won the game. We were the team which played better, created more chances and had more control of the game.

"It is a fantastic feeling for us to come here and win against a side in a good run of form. We knew we would have to play at a high level and that's what we did. They had two or three moments as well, they are a quality team but we controlled it very well. I'm pleased how we played at the start of the second half.

"After we scored we knew there would be a reaction. We tried to play offside for their goal but there was not the synchronisation we wanted and as they pushed, we showed the mentality which we had missed in other away games. It was a great counter and a great finish. The players deserve great credit because they understood the plan and executed the plan. It was an open game, we don't change away or at home. This is our way."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/02/silva-savours-a-big-win/