Manchester United go into the World Cup break in fifth position in the Premier League table after they secured a last-gasp win away at Fulham today.
Erik Ten Hag’s side took the lead after just 14 minutes when Danish midfielder Cristian Eriksen slid in at the back post to steer a Bruno Fernandes cross/shot home for his first Manchester United goal.
Fulham – missing talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic through injury – began to gain a foothold in the game as the first half wore on with Harry Wilson stinging the palms of United ‘keeper David de Gea via an effort from the edge of the area.
Man United continued to look much more threatening in attack and both Anthony Martial and Eriksen really should have put their side further ahead just before half-time.
Ten Hag’s side found it easy to get in behind Fulham’s defence all day and soon after the break Anthony Elanga forced Bernd Leno into a one-on-one stop before the German ‘keeper managed to deflect Marcus Rashford’s follow-up effort around the post.
It would soon be De Gea’s turn to show his quality with the Spaniard pulling off two superb close-range stops to stop Vinicius and Tim Ream.
Just after the hour mark, United would be made to pay for their wastefulness in front of goal, when a counter-attack ended with former Red Devils man Dan James steering home a Tom Cairney cross from a few yards out.
Both teams pushed on in search of an equaliser but after substitute Scott McTominay headed over from the edge of the six-yard area it looked as if the game would end all square.
However, United’s teenage superstar in the making, Alejandro Garnacho popped up in injury time to score a hugely important winner for his side. The 18-year-old Argentine picked up the ball wide on the left before driving forward menacingly and swapping passes with Eriksen before showing electric pace to race into the area and slide a clinical finish into the bottom corner.
Alejandro Garnacho has scored or assisted 4 goals in his last 4 games in all competitions:
⚽ vs. Real Sociedad
❌ vs. Aston Villa
🅰️🅰️ vs. Aston Villa
⚽ vs. FulhamFlying. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VmTEGGfhqn
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 13, 2022
Speaking afterwards Man United skipper Bruno waxed lyrical about his teenage teammate, Garnacho.
“He has a lot of talent and his workrate together with the talent makes a big difference with us from the bench. It’s not the first time he makes a big impact for us,” Bruno told Sky Sports.
”We are really happy for him and know he can give us goals, assists and prove the joy of football.
“I think everyone is seeing signs that [he can go all the way]. Not because of his goals and assists but the way he comes into the game. Nobody likes to be on the bench so the attitude he has when he comes off has been fantastic. He deserves the chances he’s been having and he’s got his rewards. That’s what football’s about.”
