Manchester United had the chance to reclaim their position on top of the league tonight with a win over Fulham.

Leicester City and Manchester City had overtaken them with wins over the past couple of days.

United needed a win to go 1^st once again.

FIRST HALF

It wasn’t the start Manchester United had in mind.

Fulham opened the scoring after just 5 minutes. Ademola Lookman was the goalscorer, he latched on to a Zambo Anguissa lofted ball and took a couple of tidy touches before producing a placed finish into the corner.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka was partly to blame for the goal. His poor positioning allowed Lookman to time his run to perfection before putting the ball into the back of the net.

There wasn’t too much in terms of chances for United in the first half, but when an opportunity presented itself, it fell to exactly the right person.

Edinson Cavani was in the right place at the right time as he equalized from an Alphonse Areola mistake caused by a Bruno Fernandes cross. The Portuguese international struck the post just moments earlier with a thunderous strike from outside the box.

Both teams had a handful of half chances thereafter, none of which ended up in the back of the net.

The first half finished level. Fulham gave a good account of themselves and would have been pleased with their first half performance.

SECOND HALF

Fulham started the second half well and nearly caught United out on the break on numerous occasions.

That said, however, United’s quality showed in the end. Moreover, Pogba’s quality. He received the ball and beat a couple of defenders on the edge of the area before unleashing a piledriver from the edge of the box.

Cavani nearly got his brace just moments later. He met a cross with a brilliant header inside the box but Alphonse Areola produced a brilliant save to atone for his previous error.

Rub Loftus-Cheek caused United problems on occasion and he could have got the Fulham equalizer in the 74^th minute. The Chelsea loanee shot from inside the box but unfortunately for him and Fulham, his shot was comfortably saved by David de Gea.

Loftus-Cheek again had a chance to equalize in the 82^nd minute. The ball fell nicely to Loftus-Cheek’s feet inside the box but he failed to make appropriate contact. Instead, he blazed his shot over the bar.

The match finished 2-1 to Manchester United as Fulham were unable to conjure up any further chances.

They move up to top position in the league after tonight’s win.

Up the Reds!

https://t.co/YS4CBzXRmU
#MUFC
#⃣ #FULMUN@Chevrolet

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) JANUARY 20, 2021

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Busy Deadline Day for Manchester United

All eyes were on the red side of Manchester on Monday evening following a shambolic defeat at the hands of Spurs. After being linked with Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho all summer, Manchester United had to resort to plan B after Dortmund refused to budge on their asking price. Instead they opted for Uruguayan veteran striker Edinson Cavani on a one year deal. A terrific goal-scorer who may prove to be to a shrewd bit of business, but is he really what Man United need?

Even Jose Mourinho’s Spurs side managed to find the net six times on the weekend. And attacking flair is not something typically associated with a Mourinho side. Their defence looked out of place, a dreadful performance summed up by Spurs’ first goal of the game which saw Harry Maguire drag back his own player resulting in a concession. Porto left-back Alex Telles also signed on the dotted line at Old Trafford, adding some well-needed pace to the backline.

Partey Time at Arsenal

Meanwhile in London, Mikel Arteta finally got his man. Arsenal left it late, reluctant to pay Thomas Partey’s £45m release clause but finally gave in on deadline day. The Ghanaian has been playing in the Spanish capital for Atletico since 2015 and brings with him a prestigious reputation. A tough tackling defensive midfielder who may prove to be a pivotal signing for the Gunners by adding an extra layer of protection to a newly restructured Arsenal defence. Lucas Torreira moved in the opposite direction, joining Atletico.

Rest of the League Round-Up

Gareth Bale wasn’t alone in making a sentimental return to an old club in this window. Bale’s boyhood team Southampton signed Theo Walcott on a season-long loan deal from Everton. Walcott returns to Southampton after 14 years away from the club.

Leeds United rounded off their busy transfer window with the signing of Brazilian winger Raphinha on a four year deal from French side Rennes. An exciting signing for Leeds, with no shortage of attacking players for Marcelo Bielsa now to choose from.

Top of the table Everton further bolstered their squad with the acquisition of promising centre-back Ben Godfrey from Norwich City. On the back of some poor performances from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, Ancelotti decided to bring in Roma keeper Robin Olsen on loan to increase the competition for the number one spot at Goodison Park.

The pressure was on Fulham at the other end of the table after a dreadful start to the new season. The addition of defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Joachim Andersen from Manchester City and Lyon will please fans. Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek also made the short trip to Fulham on a loan deal.

European Transfers

Manchester United’s Chris Smalling returned to Italy, signing permanently at Roma for a reported fee of £18m. Justin Kluivert, son of Patrick Kluivert, was amongst the outgoings at Roma, joining RB Leipzig on a season-loan. Elsewhere in Italy, Napoli agreed a loan deal with Chelsea for midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.

German sides Hertha Berlin and Hoffenheim raided the Premier League with the signings of Matteo Guendouzi and Ryan Sessegnon. European champions Bayern Munich strengthened their attack with the double signing of Douglas Costa and Choupo-Moting. While in France, PSG struck a deal with Barcelona for midfielder Rafinha on a three year deal.

Finally, Irish international Josh Cullen packed his bags and headed for Belgium, joining Vincent Kompany’s Anderlecht side.

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