Man Utd player ratings: Man Utd edged past Fulham with defenders showing the way
NewsSunday, 26 January 2025 at 23:10
Manchester United edged past Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday with a hard-fought 1-0 win.
The first half saw few clear-cut chances, with both sides heading into the break locked at 0-0.
United eventually found the breakthrough in the second half when Lisandro Martinez’s long-range effort deflected off Sasa Lukic and looped over goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Late drama unfolded as Toby Collyer made a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Joachim Andersen, while Amad had a goal disallowed for offside after a VAR review.
Here are the player ratings from the match:
Andre Onana - 6
Made routine saves from Alex Iwobi in the first half but resorted to time-wasting before Martinez’s goal.
Matthijs de Ligt - 6
Produced United’s first attempt at goal and was solid defensively before being substituted shortly before the hour mark.
Harry Maguire - 8
Dominated aerial duels with Raul Jimenez and delivered a commanding performance. A strong recovery after his midweek mistake against Rangers.
Lisandro Martinez - 8
Narrowly avoided conceding a penalty after a risky challenge on Emile Smith Rowe but redeemed himself with a decisive goal.
Noussair Mazraoui - 5
Deployed on the left wing but struggled to adapt to an attacking role. A lackluster display on both flanks.
Manuel Ugarte - 6
Showed determination and won the free kick that led to United’s first chance. Substituted after a solid shift.
Bruno Fernandes - 5
Kept in a central role but wasn’t as effective as in the Rangers game. Wasteful with possession and set-piece opportunities.
Diogo Dalot - 5
Looked uncomfortable on the ball. Switching flanks with Mazraoui at halftime failed to improve his performance.
Amad - 7
Faced tight marking but showed flashes of creativity. Had a goal ruled out for offside after a promising effort.
Alejandro Garnacho - 6
United’s liveliest forward in the first half, creating opportunities that weren’t capitalized on.
Rasmus Hojlund - 3
A disappointing outing. Offered little threat and was substituted early in the second half.
Substitutes:
Joshua Zirkzee - 6Added presence up front but didn’t look like scoring.
Leny Yoro - 7Defended resolutely in a challenging situation.
Toby Collyer - 7Brought energy to the midfield and made a game-saving clearance late on.
Tyrell Malacia - 6Helped stabilize the defense in the closing stages.
Kobbie Mainoo - 6Came on alongside Malacia to help see out the result.
Manager - 6
Ruben Amorim made five changes to freshen up the squad, but the team lacked attacking spark. The decision to recall Hojlund didn’t pay off, but Zirkzee’s introduction added some stability.
United’s victory lifts them to 12th in the Premier League, but their performance left much to be desired as they continue to search for consistency.
