Manchester United resumed their Premier League campaign with a scrappy 1-0 win against Fulham.
After three consecutive home games, Manchester United were back on the road for the first time since the FA Cup victory over Arsenal.
The Red Devils certainly didn’t play with the same intensity as they did against the Gunners, but a deflected effort from Lisandro Martinez in the second half handed Ruben Amorim a crucial victory.
Amad Diallo came close to adding to United’s lead but his late goal was ruled out as offside by VAR.
Three points in the capital means United now sit 12th in the Premier League table. Here are five things learned from the 1-0 win.
Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui swap
There weren’t too many surprises with Amorim’s team selection against Fulham, but he did opt to swap the positions of Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui.
Dalot has often filled in at left wing-back this season, but he returned to his preferred right flank at Craven Cottage. It wasn’t entirely successful with United lacking threat on either side of the pitch.
What has become clear is that Amorim desperately needs a new wing-back or two. A third bid was submitted for Patrick Dorgu this weekend and Amorim will have his fingers crossed that a deal can be done sooner rather than later.
Rasmus Hojlund struggles continue
After losing his starting spot to Joshua Zirkzee in the last two matches, Rasmus Hojlund returned to the lineup but disappointed up front.
The Dane struggled to hold the ball up, losing it far too regularly which caused United’s attacks to fall apart.
It was pointed out during the match that Hojlund has failed to score in 36 of his 48 Premier League games for United. Add another one to that tally.
Ruben Amorim’s demand followed
Before kick-off, Amorim urged his players to start matches better and – crucially – not concede an early goal.
The Portuguese head coach wants his players to control and dominate matches, but in recent weeks early goals have meant that the game plan has been thrown out the window.
Amorim said: “We want to give us more time without suffering with a goal because that is important, when we have this type of game and we don’t suffer in the beginning we can control the game.”
While the first half may have been a drab affair, at least United were able to execute Amorim’s demand.
A rare clean sheet
Since Amorim arrived in Manchester, the only clean sheet under the Portuguese was the 4-0 win over Everton at the start of December.
While United’s lack of threat was extremely frustrating, a rare clean sheet is something for the backline to celebrate.
Improving at the back is something that will please Amorim, but the complete lack of threat at the other end of the pitch will add to his headaches.
Toby Collyer’s brilliant clearance
United came within inches of conceding another corner before substitute Toby Collyer brilliantly cleared it off the line.
It turned out to be a goal-winning clearance from Collyer, who made history in Europe midweek. The 21-year-old has impressed in recent weeks and is slowly but surely making his way into Amorim’s plans.
Without him, United would not be leaving Craven Cottage with three points.
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