Erik Ten Hag's side were in serious trouble before this match. They performed poorly in the Premier League, losing 0-3 at home to rivals Man City last weekend, then were eliminated in the fourth round of the English League Cup with a 1-3 defeat to Newcastle, also at Old Trafford. This led to MU having their worst start to a season in 61 years.
Bruno Fernandes scored an important goal to help MU temporarily end their losing streak
Manchester United stars are reportedly starting to protest against Ten Hag over his treatment of players such as Jadon Sancho and Harry Maguire, with the Dutchman's position under scrutiny after eight defeats in 15 games this season.
There are concerns that Ten Hag's methods are damaging team harmony, with British newspapers also complaining about his tactics in the defeat to Man City, while some players have questioned his training methods, which could lead to an injury crisis.
The gloom continues to haunt United ahead of their trip to Fulham's Craven Cottage. The latest is that midfielder Casemiro will be out for several weeks with a hamstring injury. Centre-back Raphael Varane is ill, while Amad Diallo has a knee injury, Tyrell Malacia (knee), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle) and Luke Shaw (muscle), while top scorer Marcus Rashford is not on the squad due to disciplinary action.
Coach Ten Hag still faces criticism
At Fulham, a ray of hope soon appeared when Scott McTominay scored in the 8th minute. However, the midfielder's goal was disallowed by VAR due to an offside. After that, the "Red Devils" continued to struggle with a deadlocked performance from their attack.
When the crisis seemed to continue, MU was saved in the extra time of the match. Captain Bruno Fernandes became the hero of the away team with a kick that defeated goalkeeper Leno, bringing a 1-0 victory. The British press said that it could be considered one of the most important goals in the Portuguese player's career. Because it not only helped MU temporarily end the series of decline to rise to 8th place (temporarily 10 points behind the leader Tottenham), but could become a boost to change the fate of this season. The victory at Craven Cottage also helped coach Ten Hag reduce the pressure amid criticism and the risk of being fired early.
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