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.
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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% 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.
United, who are now eight points behind fourth-place Aston Villa, suffer a severe blow as a result.
They earned a four-game winning league streak by a great deal of hard work. The club’s recent form made the loss to Fulham somewhat surprising.
Next weekend, United will host Manchester City, which presents another formidable task.
Villa’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League would undoubtedly end if they were to defeat Luton Town at Kenilworth Road in anything less than a derby triumph.
They have a vital FA Cup fifth round match at Nottingham Forest before this. This competition is United’s final opportunity to take home a trophy this season.
