The Red Devils created the better chances on goal, but goalkeeper Bernd Leno had a fine game for the visitors. They eventually broke the deadlock through Joshua Zirkzee in the 87th minute.
Alejandro Garnacho had an easy opportunity to double the lead in stoppage time, but he fluffed his lines.
Zirkzee was the man of the match with a goal on debut, but midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was equally impressive with a solid performance. He won a stunning 13 ground and aerial duels last night.
The United graduate also completed 90 percent of his passes with a long ball accuracy of 100 percent (3/3). Mainoo won four take-ons and also induced four fouls from Marco Silva’s side.
Following the game, Mainoo posted on Instagram with the caption: ‘No place like home’ and described Zirkzee as a ‘hitman’. Zirkzee quickly responded by praising him as the ‘General’.
United produced a much better performance in the curtain-raiser compared to last season against Wolverhampton Wanderers where they were fortunate to pick up three points.
There is still plenty of room for improvement on both ends. Bruno Fernandes had two clear-cut chances in the opening half and Garnacho should have also scored at the end.
It did not prove costly against Fulham who managed only two shots on target. Meanwhile, there was once again plenty of space between the attack and defence with Casemiro being out of position.
The Brazilian was brilliant in an attacking point of view for United. He had three shots and created two chances in the first half alone. However, his main job is to provide defensive assurance.
He lost possession 13 times and was dribbled past twice. In our view, United still need a marquee defensive midfielder, who can compete for places with the former Real Madrid man.
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