The recent positivity around Manchester United came to a screeching halt on Saturday as they were deservedly beaten 2-1 by Fulham.
A dismal performance was almost rescued by a Harry Maguire equaliser after Calvin Bassey had given the visitors the lead, but a 97th-minute strike from Alex Iwobi ensured the Red Devils’ unbeaten run in 2024 came to an end.
Here are some of the most damning statistics from Man Utd’s defeat to Fulham in the Premier League.
Rasmus Hojlund’s brilliant form had been key behind Man Utd‘s unbeaten start to 2024. The Danish striker had scored seven goals in his last six games in all competitions before a muscle injury ruled him out of the Fulham match and another two to three weeks.
Plugged in as his replacement, Marcus Rashford struggled. He totted up an xG of just 0.05 per FotMob and received only 12 passes in the half half as the Red Devils struggled to involve the England international in their attacks.
Another solution needs to be found in Hojlund’s absence, as Rashford has shown he is more effective on the flank than as a central focal point. What’s perhaps more damning is that 1.07 of Man Utd’s total 1.72 xG came from centre-back Maguire, who netted the equaliser before Iwobi’s winner.
Man Utd have struggled to contain teams throughout 2023/24, often conceding a host of chances and relying on the finishing of their opposition to stay in the game.
In fact, only Sheffield United have conceded more shots than United’s 435 in the Premier League so far this season.
Fulham contributed 17 of those on Saturday with the likes of Rodrigo Muniz and Iwobi enjoying regular sights of goal on the break. Manager Erik ten Hag hasn’t managed to find a solution, instead having his side press high and risk being played straight through.
His team have been cut through time and time again, and they eventually ran out of luck against Fulham.
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