Premier League
French Class Helps Man United Defeat Fulham
Two goals from Paul Pogba and a superb solo goal from Anthony Martial helped Manchester United comfortably defeat Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Paul Pogba gave United an early lead after smashing the ball into the net. A stunning solo effort from Anthony Martial and a penalty from Pogba helped seal the victory.
The result sees Manchester United move into the top four ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Manchester City tomorrow afternoon.
It marks an incredible turnaround under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as United were 11 points off the top four when he took over in December.
For Fulham, it was a poor performance and piles the pressure on Claudio Ranieri who was criticized by his own fans midway through the second half.
Magical Martial
Fulham got off to a bright start. A good counter-attack saw a cross into the box by Andre Schurrle find it’s way through to Luciano Vietto at the back post but he hit his shot wide from close range when he should have done better.
On 14 minutes, Manchester United took the lead.
Anthony Martial set up Paul Pogba with a neat through pass. The French midfielder picked up the ball and smashed a left-foot shot high into the net, which left Fulham keeper Sergio Rico with no chance.
It was Pogba’s seventh Premier League goal in his last eight league games.
Nine minutes later Manchester United doubled their lead thanks to a stunning individual goal from Anthony Martial.
The Frenchman picked up the ball just inside his own half. He skipped past Fulham defender Denis Odoi and was too skillful for Maxime le Marchand and then calmly slotted the ball into the net.
Man Utd nearly made it three just before half time. Phil Jones picked up the ball 25-yards out and unleashed a powerful shot, which forced Rico in the Fulham goal to tip it over the bar.
Despite a bright start by Fulham, they were struggling to create chances and looked vulnerable in defence, in particular on the counter-attack.
Fulham Pay The Penalty
Manchester United were dominating possession at the start of the second half but were lacking that final quality pass to unlock the Fulham defence and add to their lead.
On 62 minutes, United nearly made it three. A powerful shot by Ander Herrera from just outside the penalty area, stinged the palms of Sergio Rico.
Fulham were struggling to sustain any attacks and their day got worse after 65 minutes.
Man Utd midfielder Juan Mata was fouled inside the box by Maxime le Marchand. Up stepped Paul Pogba who coolly slotted the ball past Rico for his second of the game.
Substitute Alexis Sanchez nearly made it four with 16 minutes remaining.
Fulham defender Maxime le Marchand gave the ball away and sent Sanchez in on goal. However, the Chilean’s shot was straight at Rico.
Two minutes later, Fulham should have pulled a goal back. A great ball into the box by Joe Bryan eventually found its way to Ryan Babel who hit the outside of the post from close range.
Fulham couldn’t find a consolation goal, as United comfortably saw the game out to move into the top four.
Perfect Start To A Tough Week For United
This was the perfect start to a tough week ahead for Manchester United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Not only was it a comfortable victory but Solskjaer was able to rest the likes of Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard and was able to rest Anthony Martial for the last 20 minutes.
The momentum continues to grow and it is now 10 wins out of 11 under the Norwegian manager.
Solskjaer will need that confidence and momentum ahead of three stern tests to come.
First up, United take on PSG in the Champions League on Tuesday, followed by Chelsea in the FA Cup on Monday and then rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford the following Sunday.
If Manchester United win all three of those games, there will be no question that Solskjaer should be offered the job on a permanent basis.
Over the next few weeks, we will see how far the Old Trafford side have come since they changed managers in December.
Or we will see how far United have to go to get back to the top of English and European football.
Fulham Look Destined To Be Relegated
Fulham fans and manager Claudio Ranieri will be worried after this performance.
Of course, with Manchester United’s recent form, there is no disgrace to lose to the Old Trafford side.
However, it was the manner of the defeat that will cause their supporters the most concern.
In particular, in the second half, they seemed to lack any hunger or fight to get back into the game.
Also, the supporters don’t appear to be getting behind their manager. Midway through the second half their fans started to sing ‘You don’t know what you are doing’ after Ranieri made a substitute.
All is not well at Craven Cottage, especially the defence which has been abysmal all season. They have conceded an incredible 58 goals in 26 games.
To put that into context, they have conceded 12 more goals than anyone else in the Premier League.
At the moment, they need a minor miracle to stay up and simply have to win their next two Premier League games against West Ham and Southampton if they have any chance of staying up.
Especially when they have the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City visiting Craven Cottage over the next month.
Fulham face West Ham away on Friday night. Meanwhile Manchester United welcome French Champions PSG in the Champions League.
Photo credit to Manchester United via Twitter
