Marco Silva had never won a Premier League fixture at Old Trafford until Alex Iwobi’s precise finish provided one of the most stunning results in Fulham’s history. The Whites had been more than a match for Manchester United in every fixture until Silva – but seemed set to endure more frustration against the Red Devils when Harry Maguire’s last-minute equaliser looked to have rescued a point for the below-par hosts. The manner of Fulham’s victory, secured by their latest-ever top flight goal, was almost more impressive than the scoreline itself.
Craven Cottage regulars have been calling Silva a genius – whilst simultaneously rubbishing the coaching credentials of Scott Parker – for more than three years now, but maybe it is time for the first of the country to take notice. Eyebrows will have been raised by this result, which the Whites thoroughly deserved. Such was Fulham’s domination that perhaps the biggest surprise was that it took that intelligent near-post finish from Iwobi to make sure of the three points. Silva’s introduction of Adama Traore, a rapid winger mocked as the invisible man by uncharitable Fulham fans in recent weeks, proved a masterstroke as the Spanish sprinter streaked away from several challengers to set up Iwobi’s winner with United pushing for a second goal themselves.
Fulham were as adventurous in the 98th minute as they had been in the first. Silva shuffled his pack decisively after defeat at home to Aston Villa seven days earlier and the adventurous display made light of the absence of the peerless Joao Palhinha, wily Willian and experienced Raul Jimenez. The starting eleven certainly didn’t look like one that showed six changes – with each member well-drilled on their instructions and Fulham primed to take advantage not just of United’ disorganisation but the big spaces around Old Trafford.
It was fitting that Iwobi scored the winner – and not just because he had been taking no end of grief from Nigerians and gamblers on social media after the Super Eagles had lost the AFCON final to Ivory Coast. The former Arsenal and Everton midfielder appears transformed under Silva and played a disciplined role against Eric ten Haag’s men. He switched from being a left wing outlet when the Whites were in possession to shuffling further centrally when attacks broke down. Iwobi’s defensive diligence allowed Andreas Pereira to strut his stuff against his former club and, were it not for the agility of Andre Onana, the Brazilian could have had a goal to mark his return to Manchester.
But perhaps the biggest plus point was the outstanding display of Sasa Lukic, someone who has divided opinion since he arrived from Torino in January 2023. The Serbian midfielder remains a favourite of Silva’s and hasn’t had game time in his preferred position. He looked utterly transformed when paired with Harrison Reed, liberated by a license to influence the game in the final third, and covered no end of ground. Lukic, previously deployed in an unfamiliar defensive midfield role, has plenty of creative potential and could benefit from a run in the side.
Rodrigo Muniz might not have scored a goal but he badly discomforted Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane from first whistle to last, as well as spinning Victor Lindelof in the area with all the grace of a bally dancer. The Brazilian’s hold up play and touch has improved markedly this month since we saw him last in the first team – and you suspect Armando Broja might well be waiting some time for a fair crack of the whip. Muniz’s desire played a key part in getting the ball to Traore in the sixth minute of stoppage time and he never stopped running, offering another option in the middle, before the winger produced a peach of a reverse ball to give Iwobi a glimpse of goal.
It would genuinely be possible to go through the whole team without finding anybody who didn’t play significantly above their useful standards. Harrison Reed acquitted himself admirably, especially with English back room staff members keeping a close eye on the Ginger Iniesta. Calvin Bassey’s right foot has clearly improved since those early heart-in-mouth mountains, whilst Tosin turned in an excellent display.
It was lovely to see Luis Boa Morte, such a pivotal part of the last Fulham side to win here more than twenty years ago, leading the songs and conducting the travelling orchestra with a bit of joie de vivre.
