Manchester United 2-1 Fulham: Bruno Fernandes hits winner as Erik ten Hag’s side take third in Premier League
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Updated 28/05/2023 at 21:37 GMT
Bruno Fernandes grabbed the winner as Manchester United down Fulham 2-1 to seal third spot in the Premier League. United were forced to battle back from behind after Kenny Tete struck on 19 minutes, with Jadon Sancho equalising shortly before half-time before Fernandes struck the winner early in the second half. United finish on 75 points, four clear of Newcastle United in fourth.
Ten Hag proud of Manchester United, looking for investment in playing squad
Manchester United secured third place in the Premier League after battling back to beat Fulham 2-1 at Old Trafford.
The visitors kicked off a breathless first half and took the lead when Willian's corner was headed home by Kenny Tete, the right-back in acres of space as the hosts looked lazy at the back.
And they should have made it two when Casemiro brought down Tom Cairney inside the box, but Aleksandar Mitrovic's penalty was beaten away by golden glove winner David de Gea.
United brushed themselves down and went in search of an equaliser with Alejandro Garnacho whacking the bar after 30 minutes.
And Fulham's defences finally failed when Fred bundled his way into the box, the ball bobbling to Jadon Sancho who swept into an empty net for the equaliser.
After a chaotic first half, United played for possession and stifled Fulham's attempts to swarm their defence on the press.
And as The Cottagers piled forward they left gaps at the back, and Fred found a big one with a brilliant through ball that saw Bruno Fernandes in on goal, dinking over Bernd Leno and giving United the lead.
The hosts were lining up to score with Marcus Rashford twice forcing brilliant saves from Leno who kept his side in the game. And at the other end De Gea saved well from Vinicius' thumping effort.
But while Ten Hag's men could not add to their lead, they held on for all three points and third spot above Newcastle United.
MAN OF THE MATCH - BRUNO FERNANDES
Fernandes has come under fire at times this season but he simply loves to win and, even with United's Champions League status secured, simply refused to let this game go. He played with maximum intensity, grabbed the winner and was United's biggest threat from midfield. A great season from the Portuguese.
TALKING POINT - UNITED CELEBRATE NEW BEGINNINGS
United have had a number of false dawns since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson but, for the first time since the Scot was at the helm, this feels like a United side with spirit, enthusiasm and energy.
They have a trophy in the cabinet and could have a second next week too.
With Casemiro, Fernandes, Rashford, Shaw, Varane, Martinez and Eriksen in tow, they finally look like a side to be reckoned with and they've a manager who won't let them quit.
PLAYER RATINGS
Man United: De Gea, 7, Malacia 7, Lindelof 6, Maguire 7, Dalot 7, Fred 7, Casemiro 6, Fernandes 9, Sancho 8, Garnacho 6, Rashford 6. Subs. Eriksen 5, Martial 4, McTominary 5, Weghorst 4, Pellistri 6.
Fulham: Leno 7, Tete 6, Adarabioyo Diop 6, Robinson 7, Lukic 7, Palhinha 6, Willian 7, Cairney 6, Wilson 7, Mitrovic 6. Subs. James 6, Vinicius 5, Solomon 5, Reed 6.
KEY MOMENTS
19' - GOAL! MANCHESTER UNITED 0 FULHAM 1 (Tete) - FULHAM LEAD! Willian whips a corner into the box and Tete is on hand at the front post to head past De Gea!! The visitors lead against the run of play!
25' - PENALTY TO FULHAM! Casemiro can have no complaints here! He brings down Cairney in the box. It's a stonewaller.
26' - PENALTY SAVED! DE GEA DIVES THE RIGHT WAY. PENALTY SAVED!
39' - GOAL! MANCHESTER UNITED 1 FULHAM 1 (Sancho). United are level!! It's a mess for Fulham. Fred bundles his way through three tackles and the ball bounces to Sancho who has an open goal to aim at. Easy.
55' - GOAL! MANCHESTER UNITED 2 FULHAM 1 (Fernandes). So, so easy and United have the lead! Fred's brilliant through ball picks out Fernandes in acres of space. The Portuguese takes his time and dinks it over Leno. Great goal
KEY STAT
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