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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jacob Leeks

Alejandro Garnacho scores last-minute winner to see Man Utd beat Fulham - 5 talking points

Alejandro Garnacho scored his first goal in the Premier League to hand Manchester United a last-minute win over Fulham.

Christian Eriksen had celebrated making his 250th Premier League appearance by sliding in at the back post to put Bruno Fernandes ' cross into an empty net a quarter of an hour in to put United ahead. But Fulham fought back with Dan James haunting his former club by scoring moments after coming on.

The game looked to be heading for a draw until Garnacho stayed calm in the box to squeeze the ball past Bernd Leno and claim all three points for the Red Devils. Here, Mirror Football looks at five of the biggest talking points from the clash at Craven Cottage.

Eriksen celebrates milestones

Christian Eriksen celebrated making his 250th appearance in the Premier League in the best possible way. The Danish international has become a key player for Ten Hag since joining the Red Devils on a free transfer.

Sunday's game against Fulham saw him reach the milestone appearance mark, with most of those coming at Tottenham. His goal after 14 minutes put the Red Devils in control of the game, and he spurned a huge chance to score a second on the stroke of half-time.

It was also Eriksen's first goal for United and the 150th time he has scored in the top-flight. It was the highlight of an another solid performance for the 30-year-old, who will now fly out to Qatar to play for Denmark in the World Cup.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Who was man of the match as Manchester United travelled to Fulham? Comment below.

Maguire snubbed again

Harry Maguire was left as an unused substitute as he was snubbed by Erik ten Hag (Getty Images)

With Diogo Dalot suspended and Aaron Wan-Bissaka unavailable, Erik ten Hag made the surprise decision to start Tyrell Malacia at right-back. It had been expected that Victor Lindelof would move to full back from the centre of defence, with Harry Maguire coming into the side.

But on the same weekend that it was reported Ten Hag is ready to sell Maguire, the England international was snubbed once again. Maguire has fallen well down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

That was never more evident than at Craven Cottage, with Maguire left as an unused substitute by Ten Hag, despite Malacia struggling out of position. It would appear that the centre-back's time with United is all but over after this latest snub.

United rediscover attacking spark

A week after the dreadful defeat at Aston Villa, United looked far better going forward. Cristiano Ronaldo, Alejandro Garnacho and Donny van de Beek were all taken out of the starting line-up from that loss at Villa Park.

Instead, Anthony Martial, Anthony Elanga and Bruno Fernandes were all selected for the trip to the capital. And the trio helped the visitors put in a promising attacking display, with United threatening for much of the game.

The Red Devils arguably should have won the game by a more comfortable margin, with Martial and Christian Eriksen both spurning chances. But boss Ten Hag will be pleased his side have rediscovered their attacking spark.

Cottagers springing a surprise

Fulham battled hard at Craven Cottage to claim an impressive draw (Getty Images)

His side may have lost, but Marco Silva can take positives from Fulham's defeat on Sunday. The Cottagers will go into the World Cup occupying a place in the top-half of the Premier League table.

They have been one of the surprise packages of the season after getting promoted from the Championship last term. And Silva's men showed exactly why few will now be tipping them for relegation after fighting back against United on Sunday.

The hosts put the Red Devils under serious pressure following their early goal and were well rewarded for their efforts by claiming a deserved equaliser just after the hour mark. While they were left disappointed by Garnacho's late winner, there is still hope for Silva's men.

James haunts former club

Dan James was infamously allowed to leave Manchester United ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's final campaign as manager. He spent last season at Leeds United but joined Fulham on loan over the summer transfer window.

The Welshman started the game as a substitute and came on just before the hour mark in place on Harry Wilson. It took James just two minutes to haunt his former club, tapping in from close range to equalise after Fulham launched a counter attack.

Though Fulham were ultimately left disappointed, James impressed in his half-hour cameo, reminding United what they used to have with him at their disposal.

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