MANCHESTER UNITED went into the World Cup break on a high after a last-gasp 2-1 at Fulham.
Former Red Devil Dan James hit back for the hosts after Christian Eriksen opened the scoring, before teenager Alejandro Garnacho netted the winner with the last kick of the game.
United though were bailed out on more than one occasion by goalkeeper David de Gea, who made a number of crucial saves to keep out Marco Silva’s side.
With Diogo Dalot suspended Tyrell Malacia was made to play out of position at right-back, and the Dutchman looked out of his depth on the wrong side of defence.
Eriksen scoring a maiden United goal was a positive note in addition to De Gea’s performance, as was Garnacho who proved to be the game changer.
Here’s how SunSport’s Giacomo Pisa rated the Red Devils…
David De Gea – 8
Called into action early on, having to adjust to save with his legs after Carlos Vinicius’ effort deflected off Malacia and changed direction.
Made two great saves in quick succession after the break to deny Vinicius from close range, and then a Tim Ream bullet header from the resulting corner.
Tyrell Malacia – 4
Put in to do a job in an unnatural position, and was targeted by Fulham throughout.
The summer signing looked awkward on the opposite side to where he is used to playing, and Fulham’s equaliser came down his side.
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Victor Lindelof – 5
Forced to bail out Malacia on a number of occasions.
Had to come across to close down Willian after Malacia was caught out up the pitch for Fulham’s opener, which left space in the middle for James to score.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Not his best performance in a Manchester United shirt.
Skinned by James at one point in the second half when trying to be too physical and shove the Fulham substitute out of play, although luckily for him it didn’t come to anything.
Luke Shaw – 5
Started sloppily when he gave the ball away sloppily within 20 seconds of the start of the game.
Grew into the match and dealt with the lively Harry Wilson relatively well, restricting him for chances.
But James came on for Wilson and Shaw let the substitute nip in front of him in the six-yard box to convert for Fulham’s goal.
Casemiro – 5
His booming tackle was the springboard from the opener, and the midfielder tried to put himself about all evening.
But he met his match in Fulham ace Joao Palhinha, who was superb for the hosts, which meant Casemiro couldn’t get a real hold of the game in the middle of the park.
Christian Eriksen – 6
Opened his Manchester United account from close range with a striker’s finish.
In the right place at the right time to steer home after Bruno Fernandes’ effort deflected into his path at the back post.
Should have added a second on the stroke of half-time when Fernandes teed him up from just 10 yards out.
Anthony Elanga – 5
Nowhere near as much of a threat off the right hand side as Marcus Rashford was on the opposite side, and his quiet afternoon culminated in him being subbed on 55 minutes.
Drew a good save out of Bernd Leno just after the break when put through by Fernandes, but should have probably found the back of the net.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Played a part in the opener, and should have had an assist when slotting Anthony Martial through on goal after 29 minutes.
The Portuguese playmaker always had his head up looking for runners and was let down by bad finishing from others, but it still felt like he could do more to take the game by the scruff of the neck.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Most of what United did well at Craven Cottage came through him on the left hand side.
England boss Gareth Southgate will be happy to see Rashford has confidence coursing through his veins at the moment, proven by the outrageous flip-flap skill he tried in the first half.
The move didn’t quite come off, but Rashford would never have tried something like that this time last season.
But his finishing still needs improvement and he should have put the game to bed just after the break but could only stab wide of the post after following up an Anthony Elanga effort.
Anthony Martial – 6
Played a pivotal part in the opener, collecting from Eriksen before waiting until the perfect moment to release Fernandes, who’s deflected effort was steered in by the Dane.
Always a willing runner in behind, with the long ball over the top seemingly on for the Frenchman whenever United picked up the ball.
Needs to work on his finishing though after squandering two glorious chances before the break.
Substitutes
Scott McTominay (on for Elanga, 55 mins) – 4
Sent on to try and get a hold of the midfield battle, but failed to do so.
Headed over the bar from six yards out after a wonderful Alejandro Garnacho ball with seven minutes left to play.
Alejandro Garnacho (on for Martial, 73 mins) – 8
Looked dangerous when he came on, always looking to put his head down and take on his man.
Showed he should be in from the start with a last-gasp winner that spared United’s blushes.
