Kenny Tete gave the visitors the lead with a header inside the first 20 minutes. David De Gea then saved an Aleksandar Mitrovic penalty, and Jadon Sancho’s goal just before halftime gave us a point going into the break.
When our Portuguese magnifico neatly converted the Brazilian’s reverse pass in the second period for our second goal—and eventual victory—Fred and Bruno Fernandes worked together to produce a really magical moment.
Despite Newcastle United’s draw against Chelsea, we had already clinched third place with our victory. The Reds, who had a chance to finish third in the Premier League, came out firing in front of an upbeat Old Trafford crowd, forcing Bernd Leno to paw away Diogo Dalot’s shot into the box after being set up by fellow countryman Bruno Fernandes’ exquisite cross.
Fulham very soon got going, and their star player Mitrovic had a great chance to take the lead right away, but the Serbian could only direct his header over De Gea’s crossbar. Marcus Rashford’s powerful free kick was parried by Leno a little while afterwards.
With 19 minutes remaining, Tete’s uncontested near-post header from Willian’s corner dealt United a setback in their chase of a third goal. Sam Cairney was ruled to have been fouled by Casemiro just inside the box, giving the London club a wonderful opportunity to increase their lead from the penalty spot. The ruthless De Gea in goal saved Mitrovic’s penalty as he stepped up and dove to his left to do so.
The Reds pushed forward in quest of an equaliser after seeing the save. Alejandro Garnacho’s curling shot from within the 18-yard box bounced against the crossbar after a couple half-chances went begging, and Fulham reacted quickly to clear the ball.
Sancho, though, gave Ten Hag’s team a chance to get back into the contest just before halftime. While we were passing the time in the vicinity, Fred picked up the ball and made a charging run into the box. With a little of luck, he managed to bundle the ball into the path of our number 25, who was able to get the ball home despite Leno’s last-ditch attempts to make yet another save.
After scoring soon before halftime, United came out for the second half determined to have an immediate effect. Rashford was fortunate to receive Casemiro’s over-the-top seeking pass, but our number 10’s half-volley missed the target by a whisker.
There wouldn’t be much longer for the Old Trafford fans to wait for the Reds to get our noses in front, and it would come from a genuine moment of magic from Fred. The Brazilian saw teammate Fernandes running and delivered a beautiful reverse pass to let the Portuguese player in behind the Fulham defence. Fernandes maintained his composure to smoothly slot past Leno.
Despite United appearing to be in command, Fulham created two chances to draw the game, both of which were missed by Cairney. Scott McTominay’s last-second interception denied the visiting captain a clear shot on goal.
Cairney was found at the outside of the box and sent a shot at goal; even though De Gea leapt at it, it flew past the crossbar.
After Facundo Pellistri started the Reds’ counterattack in the second half, replacement Wout Weghorst had a great opportunity to seal the victory in stoppage time. Sancho was there to direct the Dutchman’s shot towards goal, but it was only able to deflect off the post.
