Bruno Fernandes strikes late to beat Fulham and ease pressure on Erik ten Hag

Match-winner Bruno Fernandes admitted Manchester United's 1-0 win at Fulham came as a much-needed confidence boost as his late strike settled a tight game at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

United looked set to drop points for the sixth time in 11 Premier League games after another insipid performance in West London.

But Fernandes' guided effort from the edge of the box had too much power for Bernd Leno and found the corner in the 91st minute to ease the pressure on his manager Erik ten Hag.

The 1-0 victory lifts United up to sixth and within five points of the top four. They face another crucial game, away to Copenhagen, in the Champions League in midweek.

"Everyone knows the situation is not the best, we lost the last two games and it wasn't the performances we wanted to give or the results but today it was a different game," said Fernandes.

"We had to give something different and we delivered. We got the three points and that's the most important thing.

"It's about the team what everyone does on the pitch. Everyone has to sacrifice, run, work harder. Even on the goal, you could see everyone working hard to get the ball and that's what makes the goal.

"It was a good performance. We could create more chances but we still had good chances. First half, we had control of the game, second half was amore divided game but I think the biggest chances were always on our side and I think we deserved the win.

"It has to build confidence but we have to understand that we can still do more. Understand now that it is about getting results every time we play.

"Champions League is important for us to get three points. Difficult game away this week but we are Man Utd and we have to win every game."

The visitors had the ball in the net