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Alejandro Garnacho Man Utd 2022-23 Getty Images

Remember the name! Man Utd winners, losers and ratings as Alejandro Garnacho writes himself into United folklore

Remember the name, Alejandro Garnacho!

Erik ten Hag's side looked to be heading for a demoralising draw after letting an early lead slip away until the 18-year-old popped up at the death to slide a brilliant winner past goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Christian Eriksen had opened the scoring after just 14 minutes, netting for the first time for the Red Devils since arriving on a free transfer in the summer.

However, Dan James returned to haunt his former team after the break. The Wales international came off the bench and looked set to break visitors' hearts by nipping in and beating David De Gea from close range.

Indeed Fulham looked the stronger team in the closing stages but were undone in the dying minutes. Garnacho swapped passes with Eriksen and then produced a composed finish to snatch all three points.

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    Winners

    Alejandro Garnacho

    Man Utd had looked a little toothless in attack throughout the game but the arrival of the Argentine in the second half brought a pace and energy that had been severely lacking. Garnacho wanted a penalty within minutes of his arrival but saw his appeals turned down. However, he still managed to steal all of the headlines by scoring a late winner. Garnacho showed off his pace to start the move, combined well with Eriksen, and then still had the presence of mind to supply a precise finish.

    Christian Eriksen:

    The Dane scored his first Man Utd goal after 14 minutes to put the Red Devils ahead at Craven Cottage. A good move ended with Bruno Fernandes’ pass taking a nick on its way to the far post where Eriksen slid in to make it 1-0. That’s now 150 career goals for Eriksen, 53 in the Premier League, and he also becomes the first Dane to score for Man Utd since goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel netted against FC Rotor Volgograd in 1995. Eriksen looked a little tired in the second half but had the intelligence to combine with Garnacho for the winner.

    Dan James:

    The winger scored his first goal of the season in the second half to make it 1-1 almost immediately after coming off the bench. James arrived in the 58th minute and two minutes later he had found the back of the net. The visitors were caught out on the break when Tom Cairney picked out the substitute and he bundled the ball past David De Gea from close range. James chose not to celebrate but you can bet he was thrilled to net against his former club.

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    Losers

    Aaron Wan-Bissaka:

    The writing looks to be very much on the wall for Aaron Wan-Bissaka at Man Utd after he was left out of the squad against Fulham. Erik ten Hag was without Diogo Dalot due to suspension but still did not feel the need to turn to Wan-Bissaka. The Dutchman instead used left-back Tyrrell Malacia on the right which seems to suggest Wan-Bissaka really has no place in the manager’s plans at Man Utd.

    Tyrell Malacia

    The 23-year-old played out of position at right-back and really struggled. Willian had the beating of the youngster throughout the first half, and Fulham repeatedly targeted that flank. He was then nowhere to be seen when Dan James made it 1-1 and it was a surprise to see him last the 90 minutes. Erik ten Hag did have other options on the bench but opted to keep on Malacia at right-back for the whole match.

    Harry Maguire:

    The centre-back did not see a minute of action at Craven Cottage despite Man Utd being without Dalot and Raphael Varane to injury. Ten Hag instead partnered Lisandro Martinez with Victor Lindelof and opted to put Malacia at right-back. Maguire was spotted warming up in the first half as Malacia struggled but Ten Hag kept faith with the Dutchman. The manager's selection decisions highlight just how far down the pecking order the England international has fallen at Man Utd.

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    Man Utd Ratings: Defence

    David de Gea (7/10): Two good saves from Carlos Vinicius and Tim Ream at the start of the second half but couldn't do much about the goal.

    Tyrrell Malacia (3/10): The left-back was played out of position on the right and it showed as Fulham targeted his flank. Looked a weak link, really struggled against Willian.

    Victor Lindelof (6/10): A better showing from the Swede who had his hands full but coped well.

    Lisandro Martinez (8/10): Another excellent showing from the Argentina international.

    Luke Shaw (7/10): Did well defensively and put plenty of quality balls into the Fulham penalty area.

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    Midfield

    Casemiro (7/10): Won the ball in midfield to set up the goal and looked a cut above in the middle of the park.

    Christian Eriksen (8/10): Slid in at the far post to open the scoring but should have added a second just before half-time. Set up Garnacho for the winner.

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    Attack

    Anthony Elanga (5/10): A missed opportunity for the forward. Didn't offer enough going forward for Man Utd and was replaced on 55 minutes.

    Bruno Fernandes (5/10): Grabbed an assist on his 100th Premier League appearance and set up a host of chances in an influential first-half showing. However, he faded after the break after being moved out wide and was guilty of giving the ball up too easily for Fulham's goal.

    Marcus Rashford (6/10): Did have some sights of goal but never really looked like scoring.

    Anthony Martial (6/10): Was involved in the opener but really should have been on the scoresheet himself. Had two chances saved and will be frustrated not to have found the back of the net.

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    Subs & Manager

    Scott McTominay (5/10): Should have scored late on but headed over.

    Alejandro Garnacho (8/10): Replaced Martial for the last 20 minutes and brought some much-needed energy to the Man Utd attack. Scored a brilliant winner to spark wild celebrations.

    Erik ten Hag (5/10): Will have been relieved to see Garnacho win it at the death after making some curious calls. Malacia struggled at right-back and his decision to bring on McTominay for Elanga, and move Fernandes out wide, handed the initiative to Fulham.