Player Ratings: Fulham 0-1 Manchester United

Photo: Manchester United

Manchester United secured a crucial 1-0 win away to Fulham on Sunday evening thanks to a deflected Lisandro Martinez strike deep into the second-half, securing their first clean sheet since the start of December.

In a match that was a tough watch, with neither side creating any chances, United had to dig deep to get the win.

United's play was rather slow in the first-half, failing to create any chances. Following the break, United picked it up slightly and started to have more of the ball, being rewarded with Martinez firing a strike that took a wicked deflection to go over Bernd Leno and put United ahead.

United opted to defend deep following the goal, and had to rely on a clearance from off the line from Toby Collyer to keep them in front. Amad Diallo had a goal ruled out for offside very late on.

The Reds got the win over the line, taking them up to 12th and on 29 points, four points below Fulham, who are in 10th.

Here are our player ratings:

Andre Onana 6

A relatively comfortable evening for Onana. Had a few routine saves in the first-half that stung his gloves, but he was fairly untroubled aside from that. First clean sheet for the goalkeeper since the 4-0 win over Everton in 1st December 2024.

Matthijs de Ligt 7

The Dutchman is growing into his role at the right side of the defence, looking very good on the ball and making a number of clearances and interceptions. Completed 32 out of his 37 passes and was solid throughout. Substituted for Leny Yoro.

Harry Maguire 7

A much-improved display from Maguire following the error against Rangers. Dealt with every aerial ball and was calm in bringing the ball out from the back. Could be criticised for slowing down the play a bit too much, but he kept hold of the ball very well. Proving to be a vital asset for Ruben Amorim.

Lisandro Martinez 7

Scored the match-winning goal after trying his luck from range, and he got his reward, with the ball being deflected into the net for his second goal this season. He was excellent with the ball to his feet and defended admirably. Handled Adama Traore very well.

Noussair Mazraoui 6

A pretty quiet game from Mazraoui. Did not create anything going forward, despite slotting into midfield to allow Martinez to push forward in the first-half. Solid defensively, but offering nothing in attack, like much of the United team today. Substituted for Tyrell Malacia late on.

Manuel Ugarte 7

Another energetic performance from Ugarte, making a series of tackles to win the ball back for United. Looked good on the ball, and combined well with Bruno Fernandes. Made a rash tackle on Traore, subsequently getting himself a knock. Substituted for Collyer as a result.

Bruno Fernandes 6

He was a calming presence in midfield, and while he was not at his creative best, he was busy throughout. Looks good alongside Ugarte, and it might the position he starts in week-in, week-out.

Diogo Dalot 6

Dalot found it difficult to make forward runs as he was busy with constantly running back after Antonee Robinson and Alex Iwobi, especially in the first 45 minutes. However, he handled the pair very well with De Ligt, and grew into the game as it wore on. Nullified Fulham's threat down his side.

Amad Diallo 5

Not his best display in a United shirt. Tried his best to make something happen but could not get the better of Robinson. Thought he had doubled United's lead late in stoppage time, yet was just about offside.

Alejandro Garnacho 6

United's most promising forward throughout the game, looking determined to get the better of his man and put the ball into the danger zone. Looking much more selfless and is keen to set others up. Substituted for Kobbie Mainoo late on.

Rasmus Hojlund 2

An anonymous display from the Dane. While he barely had any service, the few balls he received were dealt with by the Fulham defence as he lost a whopping nine duels, the most of any player on the pitch. Failed to take a single shot and nothing seemed to come off for him. Desperately needs a goal to get his confidence back up.

Substitutions

Joshua Zirkzee 5

Brought on for Hojlund on the 58-minute mark, and while he linked up better with the other forwards than Hojlund did, he was not that effective either.

Leny Yoro 6

Slotted in well on the right side of the back three, and dealt with Traore well while he was on his side. His recovery pace was needed on a number of occasions.

Toby Collyer 8

A game-saving clearance that got United all three points. He is looking like a player Amorim really likes, offering plenty of legs in midfield and is looking much calmer on the ball than a player of his age would normally look like. An excellent performance from Collyer.

Kobbie Mainoo 6

Came on very late on, yet he was calm and excellent on the ball. Ran the clock a lot down the left side as he linked up with Fernandes and Amad. Will probably start in midweek.

Tyrell Malacia 5

Brought on in the 81st minute and was really solid defensively. Did not offer anything going forward, yet it was expected with United sitting back in the final few minutes.

Manager - Ruben Amorim: 7

Decisive with his substitutions and tinkered with the team to cancel out Fulham's threat. The fans clearly love him, with his name being chanted by the United faithful down Craven Cottage's away end. Still needs to be backed this week.

United's next outing? A trip to Romania to face FCSB on Thursday.