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

After a poor start to the Premier League this season, questions about Manchester United’s performance have piled up.

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

The visitors had upped the tempo in the second half and were closing in on chances at Craven Cottage.

The Portugal international found the back of the net in stoppage time, much to the delight of the traveling 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 resigned. Today they needed someone to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight. That was him. He took responsibility. A fantastic strike.

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

‘He also deserves a special mention. Head injury in the first few seconds of the match, he fought 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 match that he would choose players he trusts.

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

‘It wasn’t a good performance at all, but you have to give the Manchester United players credit for persevering. They continued to delve into it. 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 third in Group A, behind Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.

On the Champions League, the former England international added: ‘It’s going step by step. You have to take every game as it comes, but this is a fantastic moment for the club. A lot of pressure, a lot of spotlights, a lot of hysteria around the club. Those fans were steadfast in their support today.”

After a difficult start to the season, Ten Hag’s management remained under fire, although the Dutchman’s team now sit sixth in the Premier League after a victory in the capital.