Fulham boss Marco Silva praises three Man United players after 1-0 defeat

Fulham manager Marco Silva praised three Manchester United players after their 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford. 

Manchester United opened their 2024/25 Premier League season with a 1-0 win against The Cottagers.

The Reds performed well but found it difficult to capitalise on their chances. Bruno Fernandes had the best opportunities in the first half, but Bernd Leno stopped him twice.

Erik ten Hag’s team applied strong pressure and created several opportunities, yet struggled to finish until Joshua Zirkzee came on. The Dutch striker scored a brilliant late goal, securing the victory for his new team.

Speaking after the game, Marco Silva was complimentary of United captain Fernandes, who he believes excels when games begin to get stretched, like this one did in the later stages.

It was Fernandes who kick-started the move for the only goal of the game after an impressive turn and pass into Zirkzee, who found space in the centre of the pitch.

The 23-year-old striker then passed wide and drifted into the box to meet Alejandro Garnacho’s pinpoint cross to secure the free points.

Silva pointed out the impact of the two substitutes alongside Fernandes, who he warned his Fulham players about before the game.

“We know that Manchester United are very strong (when the game gets stretched),” Silva told DAZN Portugal. “(They can) break the game with the players who have Bruno’s ability to also serve the front players.

“(United) managed to bring on fresh players who made an impact in the game.

“And after that, Bruno can serve the way he knows how.”

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