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.
- Unable to stop attacks
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.
- Old Trafford fortress breached over and over again
Man Utd lost to Brighton on the opening weekend of the 2022/23 Premier League season but would only suffer defeat at Old Trafford once more – a group-stage clash with Real Sociedad in September – for the rest of the campaign.
Home comforts have not arrived in 2023/24, however.
Ten Hag’s side have now lost eight games at Old Trafford in all competitions this term, their most since 2020/21. They last lost more matches in 1973/74, when they were relegated from the old First Division.
Fulham’s rare success was their first over Man Utd away from home since October 2003, having been winless in their previous 16 visits.
- Unbeaten start to 2024 ends with a whimper
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s involvement in Man Utd confirmed and Hojlund’s goalscoring leading the Red Devils in an unbeaten start to 2024, fan optimism was high.
Champions League qualification now looks in reach, even if the defeat to Fulham is somewhat damaging.
However, they’ll have to start again on Wednesday and the stakes are high as Ten Hag’s side visit Nottingham Forest in the fifth round of the FA Cup. The small matter of a local derby at Manchester City follows that away trip.
If damaging defeats arrive before the March international break, United’s season will be in danger of falling apart spectacularly.
- Man Utd’s results in 2024 so far
Date | Fixture | Competition |
|---|---|---|
08/01/24 | Wigan 0-2 Man Utd | FA Cup |
14/01/24 | Man Utd 2-2 Tottenham | Premier League |
28/01/24 | Newport 2-4 Man Utd | FA Cup |
01/02/24 | Wolves 3-4 Man Utd | Premier League |
04/02/24 | Man Utd 3-0 West Ham | Premier League |
11/02/24 | Aston Villa 1-2 Man Utd | Premier League |
18/02/24 | Luton Town 1-2 Man Utd | Premier League |
24/02/24 | Man Utd 1-2 Fulham | Premier League |
What we know
- Man Utd’s unbeaten run came to an end in 2-1 defeat to Fulham
- Marcus Rashford struggled up front as replacement for injured Rasmus Hojlund
- Latest defeat took losses at Old Trafford up to eight this season.