Manchester United secured a hard-fought Premier League victory at Craven Cottage, with Lisandro Martñnez’s lucky deflected long-range shot in the 78th minute securing the win.
Fulham 0-1 Manchester United: Premier League – live reaction
Lisandro Martínez’s lucky winner gives Manchester United the win at Craven Cottage.
Manchester United moved up to 12th in the table after an ugly but important victory at Craven Cottage. The match was almost entirely devoid of incident, settled by Lisandro Martinez’s deflected long-range shot in the 78th minute.
Ruben Amorim’s Verdict
It’s really important to have this feeling away from home. We had great support from our away fans as always. It was not a great game – we tried to play our game but we need to improve a lot. We didn’t suffer too much and that is a good sign. It’s not just the clean sheet, it’s the way we defended. We need to improve with the ball; without the ball we were okay and controlled the game.
We need to have more of the ball and create more chances. We struggle a lot in these details. But winning helps a lot. We have to be cautious [in the transfer market]. We have to follow the rules. I think we made mistakes in the past and we can’t do that now, so we are focussed on improving the team. Let’s see.
The fans are amazing. It’s not normal. Congratulations to them – it’s a big privilege to give them wins and we want to do it more.
Man Utd Reaction
Lisandro Martinez said: I think I was lucky but I’m really happy with the way we won the game. The most important thing is three points, how we fight, how we play, how we show character and personality. And I’m so happy for this guy [Toby Collyer]. He’s a big example for the young generation. He works so hard and he’s so humble.
It means a lot, not only for the fans but also for us. We’ve suffered a lot and it’s really hard when you lose at this club. We are here and we have to win, every game.
Toby Collyer said: It’s unbelievable to hear that I’m being praised like this. I just try my best and give everything for the team.
Half Time: Fulham 0-0 Man Utd
The teams were unchanged at half-time, with neither side able to create any clear-cut chances.
Second Half
Manchester United began the second half, but it was more of the same – a lack of action on the pitch. Adama Traore came on for Harry Wilson in the 53rd minute, and Joshua Zirkzee’s arrival from the bench soon after seemed to be an attempt to shake things up.
The game was still goalless at the hour mark, with neither team able to create any real chances. The tension was palpable, but it was a case of which team would blink first.
In the 78th minute, Lisandro Martinez’s deflected long-range shot gave Manchester United the lead they needed. It was a lucky winner, but one that sealed the win for the visitors.
Final Verdict
Manchester United moved up to 12th in the table with the win, while Fulham remained in 20th place. The game was a dull affair, but an important three points for Amorim’s side.
- theguardian.com | Fulham 0 1 Manchester United: Premier League – live reaction
