Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana delivered an impressive performance during the club’s disappointing 2-1 Premier League defeat to Fulham.
The Red Devils went into the game on a five-match winning streak in all competitions and they were fancied to secure another victory at Old Trafford.
However, the Cottagers dominated the proceedings from the off and could have easily been one or two goals ahead before half-time.
Alex Iwobi missed the target with a poor piece of finishing. Onana also played his part with two quality saves to deny Rodrigo Muniz and Andreas Pereira.
The Cameroonian also did brilliantly to tip over Timothy’s Castagne’s cross cum shot, but the visitors unfortunately scored from the resultant corner.
Harry Maguire got United back into the game in the 89th minute, scoring off a rebound, but Fulham had the final laugh, scoring from a counter-attack.
Iwobi was given ample space to shoot and scored with Onana rooted to his spot.
Despite the defeat, Onana had a good individual performance in our opinion. He could not have done better to stop either goal conceded by United.
Calvin Bassey’s ferocious strike went beyond the grasp of Onana before he could react. Hence, no blame should be put on the goalkeeper for the defeat.
Aside from his three saves, he completed 89 per cent of his passes with six successful long balls.
The €40 million-rated star should feel hard done by, having been let down by his defence, who struggled to cope with the counter-attacks from the visiting side.
The margin of defeat could have been wider, had Fulham been more clinical in front of goal.
The result is a huge setback for United, who are now eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.
They had to work incredibly hard for a four-match winning league streak. The defeat against Fulham was rather unexpected with the club’s recent from.
United face another difficult challenge on their hands with a visit of Manchester City next weekend.
Anything less than a derby victory would surely end the club’s Champions League prospects if Villa were to beat Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.
Prior to this, they have a crucial FA Cup fifth round tie at Nottingham Forest. The competition is United’s last chance of winning a trophy this term.
