16 hours ago
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RUBEN AMORIM may be convinced to throw Marcus Rashford a lifeline after witnessing abysmal performances from Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee at Fulham.
Stats show that the Manchester United pair had a night to forget despite Amorim’s side taking home all three points.
AFP
AP
GettyLisandro Martinez’s deflected shot was enough to seal victory at Craven Cottage.
But on the back of tonight, Amorim may likely be tempted to give Rashford another go up top despite the England star being linked with a January exit.
However, judging by the manager’s comments post-Fulham, Rashford would have to step things up in training to be offered any olive branch.
Danish striker Hojlund started the game in West London with an immediate red flag over his head.
The former Atalanta star has played in 48 Premier League games since his £64million move in 2023.
But he hasn’t scored in 36 of those matches — virtually an entire top-flight season.
And Hojlund’s latest outing did not prove to be different as he again failed to net.
Indeed, he didn’t have one single shot at goal on the night.
Hojlund only managed 17 touches of the ball too — with just ONE of them in Fulham’s penalty area.
And his passing fared little better too, with the forward completing six of just eight being before hauled off in the 58th minute.
Hojlund was replaced by fellow hitman Zirkzee, who has failed to impress since his £36.5m summer move from Bologna.
The Dutchman has just three league goals so far this term and, like Rashford, has also been linked with an exit.
But he is yet to be axed from Amorim’s squad and so was given another chance to prove doubters wrong tonight.
However, Zirkzee arguably had a worse game than Hojlund.
He too had zero shots at goal, therefore failing to score.
Unlike Hojlund though, Zirkzee didn’t even muster one single touch in Fulham’s box.
And despite being regarded as the more technical of the two, Zirkzee managed just five passes all game — with one of them failing to reach its target.
Amorim is sure to be scratching his head as he searches for a solution up top.
Rashford is the closest thing he has to a third striker.
And if the Englishman fails to secure a dream move to Barcelona, he may yet end up leading the line for the remainder of the season.
Rashford has also been strongly linked with a move to AC Milan.
While Aston Villa have been tipped as potential late suitors in the window.
MAN UTD PLAYER RATINGS: Maguire puts in superb defensive display but Garnacho caught running into blind alleys
MANCHESTER UNITED secured a hard-fought three points against Fulham.
Lisandro Martinez’s deflected strike proved to be the difference in what was the Red Devils’ only shot on target all game.
Harry Maguire impressed but Alejandro Garnacho once again failed to impress in what could have been his Man Utd farewell amid rumours linking him with Napoli and Chelsea.
Here is how SunSport rated the individual performances.
Andre Onana – 7
Good save low down to his left to keep out an Alex Iwobi shot early doors.
Other than that he was barely tested but no glaring errors mean it is a step in the right direction for the Red Devils No1.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Had a difficult time in the first half up against Iwobi who was Fulham‘s main attacking threat.
Switched to the left flank in the second half and supported Garnacho without posing much of a threat.
Matthijs de Ligt – 8
Another strong showing at the back from the Dutchman. Without his support for Dalot, Fulham may have created a goal down United’s right-hand side.
Harry Maguire – 9
A superb defensive display from the England star who has been one of United’s best players since Amorim took charge.
Pulled off a brilliant header at the back post to deny Rodrigo Muniz a certain goal.
Lisandro Martinez – 8
Superb last-ditch tackle to prevent Emile Smith Rowe from shooting as he burst through on goal.
His goal had a big slice of luck as it was deflected past Bernd Leno but credit to him for having the audacity to shoot.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
Solid at the back and tried to get forward when he could. United looked more balance with him on the left and Dalot on the right, although the pair swapped at half-time.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Showed some nice touches and was a bit of a menace in the middle – in a positive and negative sense. Kept a close eye on Smith Rowe and allowed him no time on the ball.
Booked for a foul on Adama Traore and was taken off shortly afterwards with an injury.
Bruno Fernandes – 5
Not at his best. Barely saw the ball in the first half and was not very effective when he did get it.
Amad Diallo – 6
Looked bright on the ball and United’s only real outlet going forward.
He worked tirelessly and pressed really well – his hard work paid off when he found the back of the net in stoppage time but his effort was chalked off.
Alejandro Garnacho – 3
Was cautious on the ball and ran into blind alleys too often. Final ball let him down on the rare occasion he did manage to beat a defender.
Rasmus Hojlund – 4
His hold up play is nowhere near good enough for this system or for a club like United.
He was too gung-ho at times and his erratic nature meant linking up with Amad and Garnacho proved difficult.
Hauled off before the hour mark which says it all about his performance.
Subs:
Leny Yoro (for De Ligt, 58mins) – 6
A more assured display given his shaky start to life in the Premier League.
Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 58mins) – 5
Like Hojlund he had a difficult time holding the ball up but United improved with him on the pitch.
Toby Collyer (for Ugarte, 76mins ) – 6
Solid display again from the youngster who was often in the right position to clear, including one on the line to stop a Joachim Andersen header from going in.
Kobbie Mainoo (for Garnacho, 80mins) – 6
Provided energy in midfield and shored things up alongside Collyer.
A brilliant one-two with Amad set up the winger to score before VAR ruled Amad offside.
Tyrell Malacia (for Mazraoui, 80mins) – 6
Brought on in an unfamiliar right wing-back role but did what was needed to see out the clean sheet.
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