The Red Devils were toothless without their Danish goal machine and deservedly lost to Marco Silva's side, who had not won away for over six months
Manchester United's mini-revival appears to have been built on sand after all, as it took just a couple of injuries for Erik ten Hag's side to sink to their first defeat of 2024 as they were beaten 2-1 at home by a Fulham side who had not won away since the opening day of the season.
Missing the in-form Rasmus Hojlund and the dependable Luke Shaw, United made a flat start and failed to score in the first half for the first time in eight matches. Diogo Dalot struck the post, but Fulham looked more dangerous, with Alex Iwobi missing the target twice and Rodrigo Muniz hitting a post.
Fulham deservedly took the lead early in the second half through a thumping effort from Calvin Bassey, and United had only half-chances to score until Harry Maguire stabbed home from close-range in the 89th minute. With nine minutes added on and Bruno Fernandes whipping up the crowd, Fulham were prepared for an onslaught.
But instead it was the Londoners who had the last laugh, Iwobi making it third time lucky and slotting into the bottom corner after United were too slow to shut down a visiting counter-attack.
Ten Hag's side are now eight points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa and could be six behind Tottenham in fifth if Spurs win their game in hand, giving them a mountain to climb if they want to qualify for the Champions League.
GOAL rates United's players from Old Trafford…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (7/10):
Did well to keep out a header from Lukic and a curler from Pereira. Couldn't do much about Bassey's thunderous drive.
Diogo Dalot (6/10):
Clipped the post from the edge of the area. Crossing wasn't good enough and struggled to get at Robinson.
Raphael Varane (5/10):
Iwobi had the run of him in the first half
Harry Maguire (6/10):
Booked for a late and dangerous challenge on Lukic, but prevented Fulham from creating even more danger. Grabbed the equaliser but was then easily dribbled past on the counter before Iwobi pounced to get the winner.
Victor Lindelof (5/10):
A huge downgrade on Shaw. Offered nothing in attack and too easy for Fulham to get past.
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Kobbie Mainoo (5/10):
Made a few good challenges to thwart Fulham but not nearly as assured or influential as in recent weeks.
Casemiro (5/10):
Made a silly error against Lukic which gifted Fulham a counterattack. His day ended prematurely following a clash of heads with the Serbian midfielder.
Bruno Fernandes (5/10):
Another shoddy display in what has become a worrying run of form for the captain. Failed to control a through-ball which would have put him clean through on goal and created very few promising moments, aside from a late flurry which saw him set up the equaliser and force Leno into a low save.
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Omari Forson (4/10):
A difficult full debut and couldn't do anything of note in attack. He did look tidy though, and could be better suited to a midfield role.
Marcus Rashford (4/10):
Another pitiful display at centre-forward, offering none of the hold-up play of Hojlund or the hard-work. Backed away from a 50-50 ball in the first half which led to a big chance for Fulham.
Alejandro Garnacho (7/10):
The only United outfield player who can be proud of their performance. Tested Leno with a powerful shot and had another goal-bound effort blocked by Robinson.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Scott McTominay (5/10):
Hauled on earlier than usual due to Casemiro's head injury. Barely got a sniff of danger.
Christian Eriksen (6/10):
Made his first appearance since January 14 and at first was slow and sloppy. Got more effective in the final few minutes.
Amad Diallo (N/A):
Replaced Mainoo in the 80th minute.
Antony (N/A):
Came on in the 98th minute.
Erik ten Hag (5/10):
Took a bold move in starting 19-year-old Forson but it did not work. His substitutions helped get the equaliser, but ultimately his team looked weak with just a couple of injuries.