Rio Ferdinand picks out two players for praise in Man United’s late win over Fulham at Craven Cottage as Red Devils claim all three points after poor start to Premier League

• Rio Ferdinand has praised two key players in United’s late victory over Fulham
• Bruno Fernandes netted a late opener to secure all three points for the visitors
• Big debates on Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal on It’s All Kicking Off podcast 

After a poor start to the Premier League this season, questions over Manchester United’s performances were piling up.

Heading to the capital today in a bid for three points on the road, it was captain Bruno Fernandes who netted a late winner for his side. 

The visitors had picked up the pace in the latter second-half, closing in on chances at Craven Cottage. 

Into stoppage time, the Portugal international found the back of the net much to the delight of travelling United fans, and former player Rio Ferdinand was quick to praise the captain’s performance.  

‘The captain stood up. We needed a big performance, we needed a goal. Critical time against Burnley after the Champions League defeat, he stepped up. Today they needed somebody to step out of the shadows, get into the spotlight. That was him. He took responsibility. A fantastic strike.

Bruno Fernandes netted a late opener for the visitors to seal the victory at 1-0 in the capital

Man United enjoyed the celebrations as captain’s goal put an end to their woeful performances

Rio Ferdinand was quick to praise former captain Harry Maguire for his strong defence

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However, it wasn’t just Fernandes on the end of Ferdinand’s praise, as England defender Harry Maguire was also mentioned.  

‘He deserves special mention as well. Head injury in the first couple of seconds of the game, battled his way through. It’s not about performances, there wasn’t a good performance there today. But they got the three points and that’s the most important thing.

Joe Cole echoed Ferdinand’s words: ‘It’s a huge goal for Erik ten Hag and Manchester United. We said before the game, he’ll pick players he trusts.

‘Bruno Fernandes, proven match winner. You can trust him. Scott McTominay, outstanding in midfield, he’s done his job. Harry Maguire, he can trust. You know what he’s going to get. Jonny Evans. 

‘It wasn’t a good performance by any stretch of the imagination, but you’ve got to give the Manchester United players credit for sticking at it. They kept digging in. This could be a catalyst for change.’

As the Red Devils travel to Denmark ahead of their Champions League clash with Copenhagen, they currently sit in third in Group A, behind Bayern Munich and Galatasaray. 

On the Champions League the former England international added: ‘It’s step by step. You’ve got to take each game as it comes, but this is a fantastic moment for the club. Loads of pressure, loads of spotlight, loads of hysteria surrounding the club. Those fans were unwavering in their support today.’

Having faced a tough start to the season, Ten Hag’s management continued to come under fire, though with a win on the road in the capital, the Dutchman’s side now sit sixth in the Premier League.

Scott McTominay has been in ace form for United, netting an early goal which was ruled out

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