Bernd Leno: The German international was crestfallen after failing to stop Bruno Fernandes’ shot that shattered Fulham’s resistance in stoppage time. It was hardly Leno’s fault – as the Whites had multiple opportunities to clear the danger – and the Manchester United captain’s curler took a deflection that made a low near-post make trickier. It stung even more because the goalkeeper had kept the visitors at bay until then and Marco Silva’s side arguably fashioned the clearer second half chances. 7

Timothy Castagne: The Belgian bested last year’s injury-time heartbreaker Alejandro Garnacho with ease, by forcing the Argentine youngster wide. We learned during that demoralising defeat (which I’m still not over, by the way) that he had difficulty keeping the ball in play and Erik ten Haag’s side seemed to lose confidence in giving him the ball. Castagne also frustrated Rasmus Hojlund when he went wandering into wider areas. 7

Antonee Robinson: An inconsistent and often error-strewn afternoon for the American culminated with his failure to make a simple header to alleviate the pressure that led to the winner. Robinson has been fantastic since joining Fulham for £2m after Wigan were relegated into the third tier, but he earned a silly yellow card for a rash challenge on Antony and rendered one seventy yard dash down the left academic after wildly overhitting a simple cross. 6

Calvin Bassey: Bassey overcame some early jitters to turn in another composed display on the right side of central defence, although he remains shaky when asked to pass with his weaker foot. He seemed to relish the physical battle with Hojlund and the rest of the away attackers and carried the ball up the wing impressively on a couple of occasions. He’s clearly the long-term replacement for Tim Ream and is getting better with each appearance in the white shirt. 7

Tim Ream: Our American veteran was culpable for the goal just like several of his team-mates and his thrusting of a foot towards danger probably took it through Leno’s grasp, but he was outstanding up until that point. Fulham won’t retreat from playing football from deep into their own territory and Ream’s distribution and reading of the game is superb. He was excellent in the air and offers considerable leadership throughout proceedings, too. 7

Joao Palhinha: The Observer’s Jonny Liew identified the Portuguese schemer as ‘the best midfielder on the pitch by an embarrassingly wide margin’ and he was a titan again yesterday afternoon. Tigerish in the tackle despite being booked when contesting a 50-50 with Fernandes when the United man’s foot was nearly a foot higher, Palhinha showed the other sides to his game in spreading the play superb and driving Fulham up the pitch with several surging runs. Didn’t deserve to be on the losing side – but then no Fulham player did. 8

Alex Iwobi: The Nigerian added bite and a bit of creativity in central midfield, aping Harrison Reed by snapping in to snatch a few second balls early on but showed why Silva was so keen to sign him by striding into space with speed, skills and some silky footwork. There were plenty of powerful runs forward that threatened United’s defence, but his long-range proved wild. An encouraging display from Iwobi. 7

Harry Wilson: This was the sort of energetic, influential and intelligent display that we saw from Wilson at the start of Fulham career and towards the tail end of last season. There was more defensive diligence to his game as worked hard to provide cover for Castagne, but the Welshman was willing to venture into central areas to offer himself as an outlet on the counter. He came into his own in the second half and was only denied the opening goal by a superb save from Onana. The Whites seemed far less threatening after he was substituted. 7

Willian: The wily Brazilian winger was always a threat and got up and down superbly to offer assistance to Robinson at both of ends of the pitch. He exploited Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s willingness to get forward to good effect, especially in the first half, and – on another day – could have had more success when he cut inside. Like Wilson, Silva’s side packed less of a punch in the final third when he went off. 7

Andreas Pereira: A tough day for a player who was desperate to shine against his old club – in keeping with the the Brazilian’s tougher second season at Craven Cottage. He was certainly trying to make things happen but spooned a shot over and misplaced a number of passes in crucial areas. The former Manchester United man didn’t press the Red Devils high, which looked like a Silva instruction rather than laziness, but it was no surprise when he was hooked. 5

Rodrigo Muniz: The former Flamengo forward got the nod over Carlos Vinicius having found the net at Ipswich in midweek and did well against Harry Maguire – which made his tearful departure after trying and failing to overcome a knee injury even tougher to take. Muniz has clearly worked on his hold-up play gave the United centre halves a real battle as well as whistling a header just over the bar. Hopefully, he can hold his head high this morning through the pain. 7

Substitutes:

Carlos Vinicius: The substitute was much keener on pressing high and covered a lot of ground without being given any sort of opportunity in front of goal. 6

Sasa Lukic: The Serbian’s passing was sloppy after he came on and he was one of a number of Fulham players who could have taken decisive action to prevent that depressing denouement. 5

Bobby De Cordova-Reid: Workmanlike showing from the Jamaican after he replaced the the anonymous Pereira. 6

Tom Cairney: I felt this game was crying out for Cairney’s ability to keep the ball and conjure up counter-attacking opportunities much earlier than Silva did. 6

Raul Jimenez: The Mexican didn’t even have time to have a touch before Fernandes found the net. 6