Erik ten Hag may have been hoping for a stroke of luck to go his way, and finally, his moment arrived just in time for the embattled Manchester United manager.
In the 90th minute, Bruno Fernandes struck a shot that secured the win for United after Fulham missed several opportunities to clear the ball. Fernandes, who had been relatively quiet throughout the game, seized the moment when it mattered most. With a clever touch to deceive his Portuguese compatriots Joao Palhinha and substitute Sasa Lukic, he found the back of the net.
This victory for United was salvaged from what was one of the worst games in recent memory. If Ten Hag was searching for any signs of a brighter future at Old Trafford, he may have needed to squint, but a winning goal in the final moments at least indicates that progress is being made.
Prior to Fernandes' goal, Fulham had shown as much determination in a game that lacked intensity. Ten Hag made the changes he could, introducing substitutes Facundo Pellistri and Antony Martial, who were involved in the chaos that led to the decisive goal. Similar to the home win against Brentford, the result provided some relief from a performance that raised numerous questions.
Marcus Rashford was absent from the squad, reportedly due to an injury. However, it is unclear when he sustained the injury, as Ten Hag had mentioned no issues with him during Friday's press conference. Without Rashford, who had recently faced criticism for his post Manchester City birthday party, United struggled in the attacking department.
There was also a concern about Harry Maguire, who suffered a blow to his head in the opening minute but played the entire game. At one point, referee John Brooks seemed to indicate that Maguire should leave the pitch, but he returned to continue playing.
The first half of the match was dismal for both teams, but for United, who faced greater pressure, it was especially concerning. The ball often moved backward, and Rasmus Hojlund seemed disconnected from his teammates. United made efforts, but they struggled to create meaningful shots on target. Hojlund was eventually substituted before the end of the game.