Two Manchester United players vindicated Erik ten Hag's recruitment vs Fulham

In a weird way, Manchester United's struggles against Fulham only further highlighted one of the team's biggest successes this season.

Erik ten Hag's side have a knack for managing to win matches even when they aren't at their best, though their latest comeback win was more about Fulham's implosion than it was about their own ability on the day.

With Casemiro serving the first of his four-match domestic ban, there was always going to be a drop in quality, which was exacerbated by Raphael Varane's late fitness issues as well.

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United were without two of their most important players, and it showed, but they weren't the only other key players whose absences are felt on this side.

Although results haven't been largely affected, there has been a noticeable change since Christian Eriksen's injury back in January, with the United midfield yet to find the same balance it had struck so sweetly earlier in the season.

Ten Hag has made nine signings during his time at United, but only three of them started against Fulham, and two of those were temporary fixes targeted in January to serve a short-term purpose.

Of course, it would have been impossible for all of them to be involved, given that Martin Dubravka has already left, Jack Butland is a reserve goalkeeper, and two of the midfielders were unavailable for selection.

A fairer way to look at those new additions is as the five who are permanent, of whom four have already brought a unique skill set that is integral to Ten Hag's desired style of play.

The United manager wants his side to control matches, with a desire for calmness and creativity all across the pitch, and has focused on trying to sign players who are