Premier League, Man Utd 1-2 Fulham: Alex Iwobi goal in 97th minute hands Ten Hag’s squad defeat

Manchester United’s perfect start to 2024 was shattered by Alex Iwobi’s winner in the 97th minute, as Fulham left Old Trafford with three points. In the Premier League’s history, Marco Silva’s team has defeated United on their home field twice. At Old Trafford, their last league victory was in 2003, more than 20 years ago. It was also only the second league victory for the Cottagers on the road this year.

When Harry Maguire scored the equalizer in the 89th minute, Erik ten Hag’s team believed they had saved a point. Bruno Fernandes’ long-range attempt was parried by Bernd Leno into the path of the center defender, who made no errors. Fulham took the lead at the beginning when Calvin Bassey discovered the roof of the net from a corner. Although Timothy Castagne, his teammate, stopped his initial shot, the Nigerian international was able to smash the ball past Andre Onana with ease.

It was United’s first game following the injury of two important players, Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund, and it was obvious. Following their victory over Nottingham Forest, Ten Hag’s team is now eight points out of the Champions League qualifying spots. When the starting lineups were revealed and the teenager Omari Forson took Hojlund’s place due to injury, he was met with the greatest shouts in his entire debut. Three 2022 FA Youth Cup champions from United, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Forson, were also in the starting lineup.

Forson started ahead of Antony, the birthday boy left on the bench. Ten Hag’s most expensive signing was embarrassingly brought on in the 99th minute and was essentially third-string behind Forson and Amad Diallo, who came on ahead of the £86 million man.

After a miserable performance, United’s best run of play this season came to an abrupt end, and their excellent progress might all be undone in March. In a team lacking in leadership, it’s hard to see who will rise to the occasion and be the difference-maker without players like Shaw, Hojlund, and Lisandro Martinez.

In the FA Cup fifth round, they will visit Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, one day before their cross-town matchup with Manchester City.