Even in victory, Solskjaer has trouble at the back

SCOTT PARKER’S Fulham had never lost a match in which they had taken the lead. They had went ahead in 40 games in all competitions prior to this, winning 34 and drawing six. Yet Manchester United passed their character test at Craven Cottage, ridding the underdogs of that record. What will concern Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, however, is how easily Fulham opened the scoring to give themselves that lead. United have conceded the most goals of any side in the table’s top half and, ultimately, it could be that which denies them a proper push at the title. There wasn’t much to Ademola Lookman’s run behind for his goal. Andre-Frank Anguissa was afforded too much space in midfield, with time to turn and float a ball over. Lookman burst in between Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly with a significant gap separating the pair, Paul Pogba failed to follow his man, and

Aaron Wan-Bissaka played him onside. Bailly then stood around, looking for an offside flag which would not be raised. As Rio Ferdinand said on BT Sport at half-time: ‘How you cannot smell the danger...it baffles me.’ It was good work by Lookman to sense the opportunity but primarily poor play by United which allowed it to happen. Good play by 33-year-old predator Edinson Cavani and a wicked finish by Pogba saw them get the win they craved in the end. Eight different sides have sat top of the table this season — a joint record in the Premier League. Yesterday alone, Leicester started the day in top spot, then Manchester City occupied it, then United came into this clash looking to end it there and did with a win. It is that open. United could do with making sure they are not as open at the back.