Fulham 0 - 3 Manchester United: 3 positives from United's dominating victory over the Cottagers
Manchester United visited Craven Cottage as they looked to keep their unbeaten run going whereas for Fulham, it was all about survival and getting out of the relegation zone. United made six changes to the side that started last week against Leicester with Smalling getting a start after an injury layoff.
Fulham started the game on the front foot with Vietto getting a glorious opportunity to put the home side ahead, but he could not keep his shot down. Ranieri's team could have lead by two goals, the way they attacked United in the first quarter of the game.
However, Fulham's weak defence got exposed when Paul Pogba scored from a very narrow-angle with his weaker foot to put the visitors ahead in the match. It didn't take long for United to double their lead as Antony Martial dribbled past the Fulham defence to score an impressive solo goal, and the Red Devils preserved their two-goal lead till the half time.
The second half was all about United as the Red Devils took command from the start enjoying the majority of possession which finally led to their third goal where Paul Pogba scored from the spot after Mata was fouled inside the box. Fulham couldn't show the intent they did in the first half as Solskjaer's men walked away with all three points and moved to fourth in the table for the time being.
Here are three positives from United's performance.
#3 Another clean sheet for United
Manchester United had a horrendous start to their 2018-19 campaign much down to the side's weak defence which was highlighted by Mourinho being criticised heavily by the fans.
Mourinho didn't trust the defenders he had in the side, which in turn didn't do justice to their confidence either. However, Solskjaer has injected a new belief in his central defenders who now seem to do no wrong. Keeping in mind the PSG game in midweek, Solskjaer played Jones and Smalling in defence and both of them did well against the physicality of Mitrovic up front.
Even the likes of Shaw and Dalot defended the channels well and thwarted any attacks down the flanks. It was a professional performance from the Red Devils who registered a fourth consecutive away clean sheet this season.