9 duels lost, 6 passes – Manchester United star told he needs a loan after “nightmare” performance vs Fulham

One Manchester United star has been told he needs to head on loan following his underwhelming performance against Fulham on Sunday evening.

Manchester United secured their fourth victory in five matches as a deflected strike from Lisandro Martínez ensured Rúben Amorim’s side edged past Fulham 1-0 in a tense Premier League encounter on Sunday evening.

The match began with United adopting a cautious approach, allowing Fulham to dominate possession. Alex Iwobi tested André Onana with a few speculative efforts, but none troubled the United goalkeeper.

United struggled to create meaningful chances in the first half. Fulham’s defence stood firm, with Amad particularly frustrated by an outstanding performance from Antonee Robinson, who nullified the winger’s threat throughout the half.

The second half saw little improvement from United, and with an hour gone, Amorim replaced Rasmus Højlund with Joshua Zirkzee in search of a spark. Yet, frustration seemed to mount as United failed to impose themselves on the game.

The breakthrough finally came in the 78th minute when Lisandro Martínez’s speculative effort from outside the box took a wicked deflection, looping over a helpless Bernd Leno to hand United the lead. Amad appeared to double the advantage in stoppage time, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

Despite a lacklustre performance, the hard-fought 1-0 victory was a significant result for United as they continue their push for form under Amorim.

Højlund told he needs to go on loan

Højlund came off the field after 58 minutes following a “nightmare” performance, being replaced by Zirkzee, with United looking more lively once the striker exited the field.

He had just 21 touches during his almost hour on the field, making just six passes and failing to register a single shot despite playing as United’s No. 9.

The United star striker had just one touch in Fulham’s penalty area, was dispossessed twice and won just two of his 11 duels on the ground and in the air.

Within 20 minutes of the tie, former West Indies cricket captain and prominent Manchester United fan Carlos Brathwaite even called for the Danish international to be loaned out for his football to start clicking.

Ferdinand rips into Højlund for his performance vs Fulham

Speaking on TNT Sports at half-time, former United centre-back Rio Ferdinand was shocked at Højlund’s first-half performance against Fulham, explaining that he feels the 21-year-old is a big reason for United’s inability to keep posession.

“I’d be surprised if he’s not getting a few fingers pointed at him in the changing room at half-time,” Ferdinand said.

“Hold the ball, keep the ball, you’re the platform for us to get up the pitch and I think far too many times he’s too loose in those situations.

“The amount of turnovers he’s had today, as I said I’d be surprised if players [haven’t had a word with him].

“Slack and loose in possession giving it away and Man United can’t get out and get any good possession in and around the final third when your no.9 isn’t able to hold the ball up.”

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