The Argentine's fortuitous strike gave Ruben Amorim's side their third away win of the season to move up to 12th in the Premier League table
Lisandro Martinez struck lucky to give an uninspiring Manchester United a valuable if fortuitous 1-0 win at Fulham. The Argentine tried his luck from outside the area in a dreadful game in west London and was rewarded with scoring the breakthrough goal in the 78th minute, which proved enough to earn United just their third away win of the season.
Ruben Amorim's side had not been good value for their lead and rode their luck long into the eight minutes of added time, with Toby Collyer producing a brave block on the line to keep them in front and Rodrigo Muniz blasting a glorious opportunity over the bar. Amad Diallo thought he had sealed the victory when he struck in added time but VAR ruled the goal out for offside.
The first half was unspeakably dull. So dull, that the Red Devils' expected goals (xG) was 0.0 until the 42nd minute, when Matthijs de Ligt's headed wide from a free kick to register their first shot. The second half was not much better and for the first 20 minutes neither side had a touch inside the opposing area. It was either going to take something special or a stroke of good fortune to break the deadlock and it proved to be the latter, a hopeful effort from Martinez which flew off the boot of Sasa Lukic and looped high into the net.
United gritted their teeth and clung on to earn their eighth consecutive win away to Fulham and move up to 12th in the table.
GOAL rates Man Utd's players from Craven Cottage…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (6/10):
Looked comfortable with the few shots that came his way.
Matthijs de Ligt (6/10):
Didn't do much wrong and created a half chance with a ball over the top. Taken off in the 58th minute after being removed at half-time against Rangers.
Harry Maguire (7/10):
A towering presence at the back. Climbed high to stop Muniz getting on the end of a cross on two occasions.
Lisandro Martinez (7/10):
Played a few promising out-balls and his growing confidence led to him buying a ticket and winning the lottery with his long-range winner. Earlier he made a stupid and reckless tackle which left him needing some treatment.
AdvertisementAFPMidfield
Diogo Dalot (6/10):
An energetic performance on the right flank and then the left.
Manuel Ugarte (6/10):
Worked hard in the middle. Booked for cleaning out Adama Traore and substituted moments later looking a little worse for wear.
Bruno Fernandes (5/10):
Looked flat for much of the game, struggling to create anything of note.
Noussair Mazraoui (5/10):
Another unconvincing performance. Taken off for Malacia, not exactly a good sign.
AFPAttack
Amad Diallo (5/10):
The usual dangerman was kept eerily quiet by Antonee Robinson. He finally found the net at the death but was just offside.
Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):
Lost numerous duels, offered no threat and barely made his presence known in attack before coming off in the 58th minute.
Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):
As against Rangers he gave one of the brighter performances although this time he didn't create any actual chances.
AFPSubs & Manager
Joshua Zirkzee (5/10):
Didn't create much danger but his energetic pressing helped break Fulham down.
Leny Yoro (5/10):
Traore span away from him but was otherwise ok.
Toby Collyer (7/10):
Made a tremendous, goal-saving block on the line to deny Joachim Andersen.
Kobbie Mainoo (6/10):
Gave United a bit more spark in possession.
Tyrell Malacia (N/A):
Hoofed the ball away on a couple of occasions, showing little confidence in his ability.
Ruben Amorim (5/10):
The first half was dreadful and he must find a way to make United more exciting. That said, a win is a win, particularly when you have had so few.
