Manchester United ended a four-match winless streak in the Premier League in style as they put 10-man Fulham to the sword in a 4-1 victory.
England left-back Ashley Young performed a nutmeg and then lashed into the top corner during the 13th minute to provide a stylish start to Saturday’s match against bottom-placed opponents. Spain playmaker Juan Mata soon effortlessly slotted into bottom corner from Three Lions forward Marcus Rashford’s pullback, before turning provider for Belgium centre forward Romelu Lukaku to convert from close distance and end his 997-minute goal drought at Old Trafford.
This was the first time United – for whom Paul Pogba was an unused substitute – had scored three or more top-flight goals by half time since September 2016.
In the second half, lively Spain midfielder Ander Herrera felled Aboubakar Kamara inside the penalty box and the French striker converted on 67 minutes. But just seconds later, Cameroon anchorman Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa was dismissed for a second booking.
United enjoyed several chances, but only scored again when Rashford’s rocket from out wide crept inside Spanish goalkeeper Sergio Rico’s near post.
MAN UNITED (4-2-3-1)
David De Gea – 6: Had precious little to do against toothless opponents, prior to diving the wrong way for Kamara’s spot-kick. Good way to get over Wednesday’s howler against Arsenal.
Diogo Dalot – 8: Epitomised everything that was good about United. Full of energy and drive, firing in eight cross. Only blot was a poor clearance that led to Andre Schurrle’s second-half blaze over the crossbar.
Chris Smalling – 7: Ex-Fulham youngster was winning his personal duel with Aleksandar Mitrovic, prior to trudging off in pain after the break because of his long-standing fractured foot.
Phil Jones – 6: Injury prone England centre-back’s fifth appearance of the season was without incidence, before he was ragdolled by Kamara in build-up to penalty.
Ashley Young – 8: Set the tone with his impudent nutmeg and rocket of a finish. Was a constant presence in both halves, producing a leading nine centres. On this evidence, Luke Shaw may struggle to get back into the XI.
Ander Herrera – 7: Made a team-high seven interceptions, also pressing Fulham’s midfielders into a raft of mistakes. Appeared to win ball in penalty challenge with Kamara, but took his leg away first.
Nemanja Matic – 6: Another nondescript run-out for the Serbia anchorman. Still well short of his best after pre-season surgery.
Juan Mata – 7: Was magical during United’s electric first half. Passed the ball home for United’s second and then teed up Lukaku. Influence waned in second half.
Jesse Lingard – 6: Dullest part of United’s vibrant attack. Was taken off for Fred with 17 minutes left.
Marcus Rashford – 7: Seemed to have done so much without scoring, including assisting the first two goals. An audacious blast from 20 yards near the end would move him onto two goals in 13 Premier League matches.
Romelu Lukaku – 7: A long drought, that stretched back to March, was ended from close range. The Belgium striker unsettled Fulham’s weak defence and can be happy with his 90 minutes.
997 - Romelu Lukaku has scored his first competitive goal for Man Utd at Old Trafford since March vs Swansea, ending a run of 997 minutes in all competitions without netting. Relief. #MUNFUL pic.twitter.com/pC1ADqMwBe
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 8, 2018
SUBSTITUTES
Marcos Rojo – 6: Made one strong covering tackle on Kamara, didn’t repeat comically bad passing from midweek Arsenal draw.
Fred – 6: The subject of so much pre-match conjecture was unleashed from the bench with the game won. Recovered from a bad early touch to produce some incisive passing.
Scott McTominay – N/A: Birthday boy was thrown on in final throes by manager Jose Mourinho, as Pogba ruefully watched on. Could have converted a header with his first touch.
