Fulham 0-1 Man United PLAYER RATINGS: Which star scored a shocking 3/10? Who is wasted in new role? And which defender was the best player on the pitch?

Manchester United needed a slice of luck to leave west London as the victors in what was a low-quality contest against Fulham on Sunday night.

Ruben Amorim‘s side looked to be heading for a stalemate until Lisandro Martinez‘s speculative strike deflected in over Bernd Leno to send the travelling fans into delirium.

While the likes of Harry Maguire and Martinez came away with credit in the bank, this was still a display that raised plenty of questions about the capability of Manchester United right now.

For Fulham this was an off-night where they were unable to get their most dangerous players into any positions that could hurt Manchester United. 

Mail Sport’s NATHAN SALT runs the rule over how each Manchester United star performed at Craven Cottage

The Manchester United No 6 was mobbed by team-mates after his strike deflected in late on

Ruben Amorim has now overseen four wins in five games despite concerns over performances

MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1)

Andre Onana – 6

Did his job in what was a dreadfully poor game from both attacks. Alex Iwobi stung his gloves with a low drive early on but it was routine from then on.

Matthjis de Ligt – 6.5

Made a number of key blocks and clearances that helped reduce the efficiency of Fulham’s left side – their strongest asset both attacking and defending. Went 32/27 on his passing and appears to be growing in confidence the longer he plays alongside Harry Maguire.

Harry Maguire – 7.5

Best player on the pitch. Ruben Amorim is missing a lot of things right now but he knows he can lean on the England centre back for leadership and his interventions ensured a clean sheet on the road here for the Red Devils. Has been a model of consistency for weeks now.

Lisandro Martinez – 7

Scored his second goal of the season and while it required a large slice of luck if you don’t buy a ticket you won’t win the raffle. Defended resolutely and delivered the big moment to open this game up and ultimately lead United to victory.

Diogo Dalot – 6.5

Was given the toughest assignment of the day trying to keep tabs on Antonee Robinson and Alex Iwobi in the first half, and then Adama Traore for a spell in the second. Struggled to offer much in attacking areas due to being preoccupied with keeping the door shut at the other end.

Diogo Dalot had a tough assignment but did well to nullify Fulham’s threat down their left side

Manuel Ugarte struggled to assert his dominance onto the game before he was taken off

Manuel Ugarte – 5

Made a number of tackles before getting one wrong to hack Adama Traore down and pick up a yellow card. Injured himself in that tackle and that summed up an uninspiring afternoon where United struggled to build up any rhythm in the middle of the park. Booked.

Bruno Fernandes – 6

Deployed in a deeper midfield role, just as he was in midweek against Rangers, it is hard not to feel that the Manchester United captain is shackled when playing further back. Longer term United need to play him as a No 10 and lean on Kobbie Mainoo or Toby Collyer to provide legs in midfield.

Noussair Mazraoui – 5

A square peg in a round hole at wing-back, especially at left wing-back. Looks most comfortable as one of the centre backs but a lack of options for Amorim means he has to be the man to plug gaps. Did OK to stem the Fulham attacks through Harry Wilson down the right but offered minimal contribution going the other way. United desperately need an orthodox wing-back this month.

Amad Diallo – 4.5

It’s not been said often of late but he was totally lost here in one of the advanced No 10 roles. Thought he’d scored a late goal to add gloss to this game but it was chalked off for offside. United need to scheme more to put him in positions to succeed. 

Alejandro Garnacho – 5.5

Produced the most exciting attacking sequence from a United perspective in what was a forgettable first half but he faded thereafter. Adapting on the fly to play in an inside role and that lack of familiarity is a driving force behind why he is being shopped for a move this month.

Amad Diallo (left), Bruno Fernandes (middle) and Alejandro Garnacho (right) all fell flat

Rasmus Hojlund made no positive contribution before he was hooked for Joshua Zirkzee

Rasmus Hojlund – 3

The Dane has now gone 37 Premier League games without scoring a goal and this was 58 minutes where he made little to no positive contribution to the match. Before being hooked by his manager he lost the most duels (9) of any player on the pitch and went off without taking a single shot. A game to forget.

MANAGER: Ruben Amorim – 7

This was not a classic but he was again decisive with his substitutions and this is now four wins from five matches for him. His name rang out from the away end and it’s a firm sign – not that he needed it – that they are fully bought in to having him at the helm of this rebuild. 

SUBS

Joshua Zirkzee (for Rasmus Hojlund, 58) – 6

Leny Yoro (for Matthjis de Ligt, 58) – 6.5

Toby Collyer (for Manuel Ugarte, 76) – 7

Kobbie Mainoo (for Alejandro Garnacho, 80)

Tyrell Malacia (for Noussair Mazraoui, 81)

Fulham XI: Leno 6; Castagne 5, Andersen 7, Bassey 6.5, Robinson 7; Berge 7, Lukic 6 (Cairney 82); Wilson 6 (Traore 53, 6), Smith Rowe 5 (Pereira 82), Iwobi 7; Jimenez 6 (Muniz 64, 5)

Manager: Marco Silva 6