Manchester United narrowly beat Fulham at Craven Cottage, courtesy of a second-half goal from Lisandro Martinez.
Martinez’s effort took a big deflection off Sasa Lukic and looped over Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno. Neither team created many clear-cut goalscoring opportunities but the visitors ultimately clinched all three points.
In fact, Martinez’s strike was United’s first shot on target.
The result has seen the Red Devils move to 12th place in the Premier League, just two points below Brentford in 11 and four below Fulham in 10th position.
Despite United’s victory, there were several players who simply weren’t at the level, including Rasmus Hojlund.
Against the Cottagers, Ruben Amorim selected Hojlund to lead the line ahead of Joshua Zirkzee but it was a decision that backfired in spectacular fashion.
Hojlund struggled, barely posing a threat to the Fulham defenders. He lost almost every duel and failed to be the focal point that United needed him to be.
The United n.o 9 was on the pitch for 58 minutes before he was finally taken off and replaced by Zirkzee.
Hojlund failed to register a shot. He embarked on one dribble, which he failed to complete. The Dane touched the ball 21 times.
He attempted just eight passes, finding his teammates with six of them. The 21-year-old lost three of the five ground duels he contested.
Hojlund was equally poor in the air, emerging second best in all six challenges that he contested. He also lost possession of the ball on 12 occasions.
Hojlund has struggled this season and his performance against Fulham will only exacerbate concerns over his club form. The Red Devils are back in action on Thursday when they face FCSB in the Europa League.
Featured image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
