To me He deserves the Man of the match award today because that is what we have been missing for long now”, Bruno Fernandez reveals the only Man United player that gave Him joy in today’s victory against Fulham

Manchester United’s pre-season enthusiasm nearly diminished with a frustrating draw against Fulham, but Joshua Zirkzee’s late goal secured a slim 1-0 win, temporarily placing them at the top of the Premier League.
The Red Devils began with vigor and dominance, though Fulham initially threatened when Adama Traoré advanced past Noussair Mazraoui on the right, but his final pass was off target. Manchester United intensified their play in response, with Casemiro coming close on several occasions. Bruno Fernandes had two prime chances to score but was thwarted by Fulham’s goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Despite United’s efforts, their play was hindered by numerous inaccurate passes, complicating their attack unless Fulham made a mistake. The first half ended goalless, highlighting United’s struggle to find their rhythm.

In the second half, United showed more promise, with Mason Mount nearly scoring, but Leno continued to keep Fulham in the game. Zirkzee was introduced around the 60th minute to add creativity, while Fulham missed a crucial chance when Andreas Pereira sliced through United’s defense but failed to connect with Alex Iwobi.

The match remained a tense contest until the end. Both teams had their opportunities, but Zirkzee ultimately made the difference with a clever flick in the dying moments, securing a vital win for United on the season’s opening weekend.

Here are the ratings for the United players:

– **Andre Onana – 7/10:** Onana made a crucial early save to deny Kenny Tete. Building on his previous season’s form, he is showing himself to be a notable improvement over David de Gea.

– **Diogo Dalot – 6/10:** The Portuguese defender, filling in at left-back due to injuries, was solid defensively but had little impact in attack. He effectively neutralized Alex Iwobi throughout the match.

– **Harry Maguire – 7/10:** Maguire was assertive and dominant in aerial duels, leading the defense well. Despite missing the Euros due to injury, he looked sharp, although his diving attempt might not be one he’ll want to revisit.

– **Lisandro Martinez – 6/10:** Known as ‘The Butcher,’ Martinez handled Adama Traoré’s physical play effectively. His presence was missed last season, and if he maintains this form, he will be crucial for Ten Hag.Noussair Mazraoui – 6/10:** Although Mazraoui was initially outpaced by Traoré, he adapted and performed well in a challenging debut.

– **Casemiro – 6/10:** Casemiro had a mixed performance, missing an early header and making some inaccurate passes. However, he gradually adjusted to the game despite some questionable attempts on goal.

– **Kobbie Mainoo – 7/10:** Mainoo was composed and effective in possession as usual. He shows promise as a bright prospect for United, adding energy and dynamism to the midfield.

– **Mason Mount – 6/10:** Mount received a booking early and struggled to find his best form, likely due to his extended absence last season. He missed a close-range chance but should improve with more match fitness.

– **Amad Diallo – 5/10:** Surprisingly chosen ahead of Antony, Diallo made little impact and needs to perform better to secure a regular starting spot.

– **Bruno Fernandes – 6/10:** Fernandes had an off day, missing two clear chances. Playing as a false nine didn’t suit him, and he’s expected to return to his best in a role behind a more traditional striker like Zirkzee or Højlund.

– **Marcus Rashford – 5/10:** Rashford was mostly ineffective, failing to make an impact despite aiming to redeem himself after missing England selection. Besides assisting Mount’s chance, he struggled to influence the game.

**Substitutes:**

– **Joshua Zirkzee – 7/10:** Zirkzee made a strong impression upon his introduction, and his late winner could be a significant boost as he aims to establish himself at Old Trafford.

– **Alejandro Garnacho – 6/10:** Replacing the underperforming Diallo, Garnacho had a positive impact, providing a crucial late assist. However, he will regret missing a great scoring opportunity.

– **Jonny Evans – 5/10:** Evans replaced Maguire and put in a solid defensive performance.

– **Matthijs de Ligt – 5/10:** Brought on to shift Martinez to left-back, de Ligt had a solid but unremarkable performance.

– **Scott McTominay – 4/10:** McTominay had minimal impact during his time on the field.Manchester United’s opening Premier League match against Fulham was a tense affair, with the Red Devils narrowly securing a 1-0 win thanks to Joshua Zirkzee’s late goal. Despite dominating possession, United struggled to break down Fulham’s defense and had to rely on a moment of individual brilliance to secure the three points.

**Match Overview:**

– **First Half:** United started brightly but were unable to convert their chances. Fulham posed a threat on the counter, particularly through Adama Traoré, who tested United’s defense early on. However, United’s attack was hampered by misplaced passes and poor finishing, leading to a goalless first half.

– **Second Half:** United improved after the break, with Mason Mount coming close, but Fulham’s goalkeeper Bernd Leno was in fine form. Erik ten Hag introduced Joshua Zirkzee around the 60th minute to inject creativity into United’s attack. Fulham had a golden opportunity when Andreas Pereira sliced through United’s defense but failed to find Alex Iwobi.

The match seemed destined for a draw until Zirkzee’s late intervention. His clever flick from a Garnacho cross ensured United started the season with a hard-fought victory.

**Player Ratings:**

– **Andre Onana – 7/10:** Made a crucial early save and looked confident throughout the match, continuing his solid form from last season.

– **Diogo Dalot – 6/10:** Defensively sound but lacked offensive impact playing out of position at left-back.

– **Harry Maguire – 7/10:** Strong in the air and led the defense well. Despite missing the Euros, he showed no rustiness.

– **Lisandro Martinez – 6/10:** Handled Adama Traoré’s physicality effectively, showing why he is crucial to Ten Hag’s plans.

– **Noussair Mazraoui – 6/10:** Overcame early struggles against Traoré to deliver a steady performance.

– **Casemiro – 6/10:** Had a mixed game, with some uncharacteristic errors, but improved as the match progressed.

– **Kobbie Mainoo – 7/10:** Composed and energetic, Mainoo continues to impress in midfield with his maturity beyond his years.

– **Mason Mount – 6/10:** Struggled to make an impact and missed a good chance. Needs more game time to regain sharpness.

– **Amad Diallo – 5/10:** Failed to capitalize on his start ahead of Antony and was largely ineffective.

– **Bruno Fernandes – 6/10:** Had an off day, missing key chances. The false nine role didn’t suit him, and he’s more effective in a deeper role.

– **Marcus Rashford – 5/10:** Struggled to make an impact, with his only notable contribution being the assist for Mount’s chance.

**Substitutes:**

– **Joshua Zirkzee – 7/10:** Made a significant impact off the bench, scoring the winning goal with a smart finish.

– **Alejandro Garnacho – 6/10:** Provided the assist for the winning goal but missed a clear scoring chance.

– **Jonny Evans – 5/10:** Solid defensively after replacing Maguire.

– **Matthijs de Ligt – 5/10:** Decent performance, helping to shore up the defense late in the game.

– **Scott McTominay – 4/10:** Had little influence after coming on.

United’s victory, though far from convincing, puts them in a good position at the start of the season. Ten Hag will be pleased with the win but aware that there is room for improvement.