4 things we learned from Man Utd’s bleak defeat to Fulham

Manchester United’s hopes of Champions League qualification took a grounding blow on Saturday when they were deservedly beaten by Marco Silva’s Fulham 2-1 at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils handed chance after chance to the visiting Cottagers, who threatened to waste their many opportunities before Alex Iwobi seized all three points with his 97th-minute strike following efforts from Calvin Bassey and Harry Maguire.

For all the off-field talk of knocking great rivals off their perches, Man Utd gave their fans a timely reminder that on-field revolution will take time, with key injuries once again hamstringing Erik ten Hag’s side en route to a disappointing defeat.

Here are 90min’s key takeaways from Man Utd’s defeat to Fulham.

Man Utd look like they’ve found the answer to their long-term striker issues in the form of Rasmus Hojlund, but there’s no doubt there’s little in the way of depth up front now the Danish forward is injured.

Marcus Rashford was deployed centrally and struggled to make much of an impact, having only one shot on target with his 28 touches. The England winger’s form has been as temperamental as it has ever been this season, with some off-field issues causing further issues before Man Utd’s positive unbeaten run at the start of 2024 papered over some cracks.

Anthony Martial is out injured but hasn’t been a reliable deputy for years. Man Utd need a new back-up striker as soon as possible and may well pay the price for their disorganisation before INEOS became major players with their takeover.

Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw are both missing for Man Utd. Arguably the two best defenders in the current squad, their absences were notable on Saturday as Raphael Varane floundered at centre-back while Victor Lindelof looked uncomfortable at left-back.

Injuries are nothing new for Ten Hag. He has been unable to field a regular back four all season, but there still remains a clear lack of understanding between the defenders, while decisiveness and leadership are also missing.

Harry Maguire will get some praise for nearly earning his side a point with the late equaliser, but the big defender may also have seen red on another day for a clunky challenge on Sasa Lukic.

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Sometimes youngsters are thrown into the fire and emerge like phoenixes, showing the world they are ready to perform at the highest level. But sometimes the pressure is understandably a little too much.

Omari Forson was hooked alongside Casemiro early in the second half after a modest debut start in the Premier League, looking tidy on the ball without producing any menacing moments as his side was otherwise overwhelmed.

Handing him a starting XI place was a big call from Ten Hag that ultimately didn’t pay off. While Kobbie Mainoo is an undisputed first-team starter after breaking through, that won’t be the case with every emerging youngster and more patience will be required with 19-year-old Forson if he’s given another chance in the near future.

Fitness issues may be keeping Ten Hag from fielding his best team on a regular basis, but fans would be much more understanding if they were seeing a consistent style of play from Man Utd.

As things stand, the team lurches from one tactic to another with no clear identity yet established this season. Last term, the Red Devils could hit teams on the break with devastating efficiency even without a top striker, but without Hojlund they looked blunt and only got on the scoresheet courtesy of some rugged play in the final third from Maguire.

Positive measures are being put in place for a brighter future, but Ten Hag needs to show he can be the visionary manager Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co want as their new regime gets up and running.