Fulham vs Man Utd: A Fergie Time Style Victory, With Garnacho As The Main Character

The World Cup has come too soon for Alejandro Garnacho, whose name does not belong in Argentina’s attacking squad. Considering his such a quick development, a lot still awaits the 18-year-old Manchester United star. Last month, Garnacho played for Man United's U21 team in a match against FC Basel. Since then, this talented teenager has continuously created an earthquake under the supervision of Erik Ten Hag. You reading some commentary on Manchester United vs Fullham last week. 

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The Argentine's first start was a performance against FC Sheriff. His first goal was against Real Sociedad. Then an assist helping the Red Devils win over Aston Villa in Thursday's Carabao Cup. And now, the third one. Manchester United had to wait until the third and final minute of stoppage time when Garnacho scored the winning goal, which made the fans unable to hide their excitement. 

The only goal in Fulham vs Manchester United 

What Fulham has done is excellent and deserves a point. The Danish player Christian Eriksen had a beautiful assist. Bobby was said to have the control over the ball until Garnacho had a quick dribble forward and overtook Benevento. The first goal was scored, following by a passionate celebration more than ever. Garnacho coudn’t help but having a shirt-off celebration as the scorer had saved the emotions of millions of Red Devils’ fans - those who could have fallen into a dump this Christmas if their team fails to win, especially after losing to Aston Villa last week and suffering a lot in the second half of this game.

Garnacho’s swoop is also a perfect description of a victory made at Fergie Time. It’s such a shame to admit this, but in the context that the attacking line had missed many good opportunities to score in the first half of the game against Fulham, it wouldn't be wrong to say that the winger Garnacho did carry Man United's attack today. And this is an incredible thing for an 18-year-old. Had Garnacho behaved well and joined the games earlier, he would have a higher chance of being on the list to go to Qatar at the end of the year. He was called up with his seniors this March.

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Fulham gained momentum in the second half

Fulham gained momentum in the second half, making Man United desperate.  The Red team spent too much effort in the first 45 minutes; too many opportunities were missed, yet only one goal was scored. One prime example is Christian Eriksen’s dumb miss in the first half. Despite his significant contributions, he still lacks the ruthlessness to finish the opponent in many situations where Man United has a chance to score.

It is not a good performance compared to Manchester City’s in the previous game. The Sky Blues had to play with a short-handed team yet still controlled the match. The Red Devils, on the other hand, went through a second half with the fear of being short-handed when being pressed continuously.

However, it is not that bad considering factors like playing in home or away, and that this squad is not the strongest in some positions. For example, Malacia had a fuzzy match when being heavily exploited by Willian.

Being an opposite winger to this player is obviously not a pleasant experience, though. In many situations, Malacia missed the position and the Swedish defender Lindelof had to fill in to support the defense. Malacia still cannot be a suitable substitute for Dalot and even Wan Bissaka can provide a better defensive quality than his successor. Thus, it was terrible for Man Utd to play in a game where Dalot was suspended like this one. In these cases, the management team has to spend more to fill in the current squad with a right back. Malacia was also a part of the reason making Man United concede the first goal. He went too much forward and could not defend in time.

Garnacho saved Manchester United

It was not until Erik Ten Hag let Garnacho join the match was the light shed on Man United’s attack. The directness and energy of the young Argentine star helped the attack of The Red Devils much smoother. He also fell in the penalty area but was not enough to create a penalty situation for the visitors. Garnacho only had 18 minutes of play, and thus, he solely got 9 touches. Yet the young star did not fail in any dribbling. With that performance, the 18-year-old winger created a frenzy on social media, offering a ray of hope for United fans’ belief that they have a promising player in the front line. Specifically, this teenager is not from England, France, or any other nationality in Europe, but was born and raised right in South America.

Fabricio Romano immediately announced that Manchester United is in talks with this young star to about the final stage of contract extension. Garnacho is believed to be the person who offers Erik Ten Hag a position in forward line while many scenarios may happen after the World Cup, especially the matters related to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Garnacho's shirt-off celebration also brought great excitement, making people think of as Messi and Ronaldo’s celebration style. The young Argentinian player is fortunate to play with two of the biggest contemporary football idols - who know how to ignite wonderful emotions whenever there are opportunities to step into the limelight.

Garnacho's senior on the team, Lisandro Martinez, had some compliment after witnessing the performance of his younger brother. The Argentine also became the youngest player to score in Fergie Time after 10 years. Federico Maqueda was only one person younger than Garnacho to do this. He made this record with a goal for for Man Utd in 2009.

“Fergie Time” again

Football fans once again get to hear the word “Fergie Time”. But it should be changed to “Erik Time” since it happens a lot under Erik ten Hag’s era. Despite Man United's not-so-great performance in the second half, the last-minute winner was always one of those glorious moments. After this moment, The Red Devils will have a holiday before heading into the world’s most significant tournament, World Cup games. 

Gareth Southgate may have looked at Man Utd’s victory over Fulham and learned a lot from it. The English coach may need to keep a close eye on Fulham’s Antonee Robinson. The left-back player will compete against the Three Lions in the US shirt in the World Cup group stage at the end of this month.

Constantly appearing in the Manchester United defense, he is a nightmare for every striker and head coach because of his ability to link play with Fulham's left-back Willian in exploiting Malacia. In the upcoming World Cup, Robinson can link play with players like Cristiano and Gio Reyna and challenge the defense line of the England.

It is important to mention Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen. They attract attention for not only their excellent performance on the pitch but also their opinion about the World Cup. The two have said of the tournament should be better organized for all fans. And both will again be the key players of Portugal and Denmark national team in the upcoming journey of the tournament.

Currently, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen remains the best duo in the Red Devils’ front line and it is hoped that they will have a successful World Cup before returning to their club.

Finally, this victory implies that still have a lot opportunities to return to the fourth place when they are only 3 points away from Tottenham and have one match left. It will be the supreme chance of Erik Ten Hag and his students. Who knows another face is waiting for The Red Devils after the World Cup, especially after their stagnation in recent times.