Five talking points: Manchester United 2-1 Fulham (Premier League)

Manchester United secured third place in the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Fulham on the final day of the season.

Despite a decent start, Manchester United went 1-0 down to Fulham by conceding a corner that was nodded in by Kenny Tete.

Fulham were presented with a perfect chance to double their lead on 22 minutes after Casemiro fouled in the area, however, a penalty save from David de Gea completely changed the momentum of the tie.

After chance and chance seemed to be squandered by the home team, it was Jadon Sancho who capitalised to get United level before halftime.

Read More: Erik ten Hag has one big Man United line-up decision for FA Cup final vs Man City

In the second half, it was a brilliant pass by Fred combined with a cool Bruno Fernandes finish that handed Erik ten Hag‘s team the lead,

#1 – One eye on the final

Erik ten Hag made six changes from the XI that beat Chelsea, with key players such as Luke Shaw and Raphael Varane rested.

With one eye no doubt on next weekend’s FA Cup final against Manchester City, it was sensible from Ten Hag to make sure key players were given time to recuperate from a long season and prevent injury.

The fixture also allowed some to audition for a role in the XI for the final, with both Fred Sancho certainly making a case to start.

#2 – Third best in the land

After league champions Manchester City and second-place Arsenal, Manchester United confirmed their place as the Premier League’s third-best team in the league this season.

In a season that saw the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, a third-place finish and Champions League qualification is more than satisfactory result for the Reds this season.

It provides a solid foundation to work from and installs a level of confidence back in the squad as they once again go head-to-head with the best teams both domestically and across Europe next season.

#3 – A set piece worry…

Fulham opening the scoring with a set piece does not spell good fortune for Manchester United.

Something that has been a weakness at points this season, United conceding what was a pretty simple corner may be a bit of a worry for Ten Hag ahead of the final.

#4 – De Gea’s penalty save: an omen?

Much has been made of David de Gea and his poor record with penalties – even though goalkeepers are not expected to save most of them, the Spaniard’s record with them is in the lowest percentiles.

However, with the FA Cup final often synonymous with penalty calls and shootouts, this save may come at a perfect time to bring United’s keeper some confidence ahead of the fixture.

Manchester United have already been in one shootout this season, against Brighton in the FA Cup semi-finals, and although they ultimately progressed, De Gea did not save any shots from the spot.

#5 – Rashford looks ready

After missing two fixtures in a row through injury and illness, some feared that this could affect his performance level for the pending FA Cup final.

However, returning to action as an early substitute against Chelsea and scoring combined with a positive performance for 75 minutes against Fulham, he looks primed and ready to start against Man City in the final.

Bring it on.