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A heavily rotated Manchester United u21s dropped points for the first time in six matches in the league after a narrow defeat to Fulham.
Here are our player ratings for the match. Read the detailed match report of all the action here.
(A score of 6 is around average)
Will Murdock – 7.5 – With four saves on the night, Murdock impressed in goal in particular with his quickness off the line which thwarted a few Fulham attacks. He also made an exceptional save in the first half while wrong footed, doing well to get down and make the save on the opposite side to where he was moving.
Habeeb Ogunneye – 6 – Put in one dangerous cross but didn’t threaten a great deal in attack. Did well defensively though and was rarely troubled.
Reece Munro – 7 – Was very strong in the challenge, both aerially and on the ground. Did well to charge forward in possession after winning the ball to put United on the front foot. But was caught out on one occasion when he tried to mop up out wide.
Ayden Heaven – 6.5 – Very impressive on the ball with quick one-two touch movement under pressure. His long passing was a bit wayward but his short range passing was crisp and most impressively, very quick which didn’t allow Fulham any time to coordinate a press. Defensively wasn’t threatened too much but had a shocking moment when Callum Osmand rounded him with ease before he seemed to give up. Came off at the break in a pre-planned sub.
Sam Murray – 6 – Looked better when Sharpe switched to his side late on and connected well down the left wing but not consistent enough with his impact throughout the match.
Finley McAllister – 7.5 – United’s best outfielder on the night, he provided a solid base in the midfield which didn’t allow Fulham much. Covered the ground well while tracking back and also won the ball in midfield a number of times to put United on the front foot and control possession throughout.
Tommy Rowe – 7 – A solid display from the player-coach, looked composed in the midfield and spread the play with some nice passes while also using his experience to win midfield battles.
Malachi Sharpe – 6.5 – A typical performance with some lively runs on the wing and was behind two of United’s bigger chances. Hit the post in the second half and a nice nutmeg opened him up for a shot in the first half but he could have perhaps looked for the square pass for an easier finish.
Jim Thwaites – 6 – Good play in the middle third with some clever touches and spread the ball well. However, he couldn’t provide the penetrating thrust in the final third and his trademark set piece deliveries were unusually off.
James Scanlon – 6 – Picked up good spaces early on but ultimately could never get a shot off as the Fulham defence crowded the box. Drifted out of the game in the second half before popping up in the box for a great chance but couldn’t sort his feet out and fluffed it.
Victor Musa – 5 – Didn’t really offer much from the front.
Substitutes
Tyler Fredricson – 6 – Was caught cold soon after his introduction by a clever run over his shoulder for Fulham’s goal. But once he found his footing he made a couple of good blocks and played well.
Jaydan Kamason – 6 – Had a very nice spin in the Fulham box which if he went down may have earned United a penalty.
Gabriele Biancheri – 6.5 – Immediately made a difference with his movement up top and pressing from the front which gave the Fulham backline something to think about. Made one really good dribbling run after picking up the ball from deep but couldn’t find anything in front of goal.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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