Manchester United were in top form against Fulham at the Craven Cottage earlier today as they scored three goals against the Premier League strugglers.
The Red Devils uncharacteristically started the encounter in a very sloppy manner and they almost concede the first goal of the game but Ryan Babel couldn’t find the back of the net from close range.
Though Ole Gunnar rested most of his regular defenders due to upcoming Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-German, but despite this, the relegation-threatened side couldn’t trouble David De Gea throughout the encounter.
A brace from in-form Paul Pogba and a solo goal from Anthony Martial were enough for the away side to condemn Fulham to their 17th defeat of the season.
There were many emerging points from the encounter, however, we’ve come up with three interesting talking points and they are listed below…
Paul Pogba continues his resurgence under Solskjaer
The Frenchman is enjoying life under Solskjaer and its appears he won’t stop scoring. The former Juventus playmaker has now netted five Premier League goals — under Solskjaer — prior to today’s game, and many bookmakers tipped him to continue his rich goalscoring form against the former Championship winners.
Just as predicted, it took the playmaker just 14 minutes to add to his League tally. He made great off-the-ball run to meet Anthony Martial’s through ball before latching a ferocious shot into Sergio Rico’s net.
He doubled his tally for the night when he stepped up to convert from the spot after Juan Mata was fouled by Maxime Le Marchand.
He will hope to remain in his blistering form when they play host to Paris St-German German on Tuesday (February 12th)
Fulham’s problem is beyond Claudio Ranieri
The Italian manager was hired by the club’s hierarchy in November last year and he was charged with the responsibility of leading the team out relegation zone but he hasn’t shown any positive sign just yet.
The former Leicester City manager has overseen 14 Premier League matches, but has won just three and lost eight in the process.
Today’s performances against United is a reflection that Fulham’s problem is far more that tactical approach but a psychological problem.
They currently lack the determination and the fighting spirit to win games. They might be relegated at the end of the season if urgent solution isn’t provided.
Ole Gunnar shows why he deserves the managerial job at Old Trafford
11 games, 10 wins — that’s the stat that shows why the Norwegian should be made United’s long-term manager.
Solskjaer has brought huge confidence into his players who now play with much conviction and determination.
With today’s victory, he has successfully brought the team from 8th position to 4th position after just 10 Premier League games.
There’s nothing else to prove, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the best man to replace José Mourinho as United’s long-term manager.