Talking Points from Craven Cottage
Manchester United left it late to sink a stubborn Fulham side 2-1 at Craven Cottage in the Premier League.
Christian Eriksen had given the Reds the lead early in the first half, before Dan James levelled for the hosts after the interval.
It looked as if the sides were going to share the spoils, but Alejandro Garnacho produced a moment of magic to seal the victory in stoppage time.
Here are all the key talking points from our win in the capital…
SIGNING OFF IN STYLE
Alejandro Garnacho’s winner came in the third minute of time added on, when the 18-year-old drove into the penalty area and poked the ball past Bernd Leno. He is the youngest player to score an injury-time winner in the Premier League since 17-year-old Federico Macheda also produced one for United in April 2009. It means we go into the World Cup break on a high. The Reds stay fifth in the table and are three points off the Champions League places, with a game in hand over fourth-placed Tottenham.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
With the match taking place on Remembrance Sunday, a two-minute silence was observed prior to kick-off to remember those killed in conflict around the world. 'The Last Post' was played and poppy wreaths were laid on the pitch. Similar respects were paid at Old Trafford before Thursday night's Carabao Cup win over Aston Villa, our closest home match to Armistice Day, 11 November.
ERIKSEN OFF THE MARK
Christian Eriksen’s 14th-minute strike was our no.14's first goal since joining the Reds, as he turned in an exquisite Bruno Fernandes ball at the back post. Coming in his 250th Premier League appearance, it was the midfielder’s 150th overall career goal for club and country. Meanwhile, curiously, he became the first Danish player to score for United since Peter Schmeichel, our legendary goalkeeper, netted against FC Rotor Volgograd in the 1995/96 UEFA Cup.
CENTURY FOR FERNANDES
Our Portuguese playmaker was also celebrating an appearance milestone, making his 100th outing in the Premier League. During that time he has scored or assisted 65 times in the division – including getting 38 goals himself.
FAMILIAR FACES
There were a couple of players well known to Reds fans among the opposition at Craven Cottage, including Andreas Pereira who lined up against United for the first time in his career having made the switch to the capital from Old Trafford in the summer. Meanwhile another former Red, substitute Dan James, was on hand to score Fulham’s leveller.
WHAT NEXT?
A number of Erik ten Hag’s squad are now heading off to Qatar for the World Cup, including Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford who are all in England’s squad. Meanwhile, United will next be in competitive action after the tournament, in the week beginning 19 December, at home to Burnley in the Carabao Cup. But with the trip to Fulham having been our penultimate fixture before Christmas Day, the travelling Reds couldn’t resist getting in the festive spirt – with the fans booming out a hearty rendition of '12 Days of Eric Cantona' from the away end.