Bruno Fernandes' change in approach pays off for Manchester United in Fulham win

A bedsheet unfurled in the away end had the words 'Play like you mean it!!' daubed onto it. Manchester United players got the message.

The United followers have caused ripples in the nearby Thames in the past when Cristiano Ronaldo and Alejandro Garnacho claimed late winners. This was another. The clock had ticked into the 91st minute when Bruno Fernandes's low drive was fumbled in by goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

Fernandes raced towards the throng behind the goal and was soon enveloped by every outfield teammate. Andre Onana showed restraint by remaining in his half.

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This was typical Fernandes; so bad he was good. He rounded on teammates, resorted to theatrics, chipped away at the referee and irked the crowd. Then he scored.

Even in the haphazard set of events that led to the goal, Fernandes almost ceded the ball with an overhit pass that Scott McTominay salvaged. Great credit has to go to substitute Facundo Pellistri, who blocked two attempted clearances and laid the ball off for Fernandes to find the angle. When Fernandes got the ball, his impact was captain material.

At full-time, Diogo Dalot looked to the heavens while Mason Mount embraced Fernandes. Fulham fans had heckled the United captain, likening him to a 'rat'. They lacked a ratcatcher.

It required something scrappy on another day when United were devoid of a clear style or structure. Rasmus Hojlund, one of the players Fernandes berated, was starved of service and the playmaker Christian Eriksen was also sacrificed.

United had earned their luck, though, particularly as Scott McTominay was dubiously denied a goal for offside early in the