Ten Hag breaks silence as two Nigerian stars sink Man Utd at Old Trafford

Nigeria forward Alex Iwobi dashed the hope of Manchester United of securing a draw with a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Fulham ran away with a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.

United had performed brilliantly well in 2024, remaining unbeaten and winning their last five matches before Saturday’s clash.

Rasmus Hojlund, who has been the club’s goal machine after scoring seven goals in his last six games, missed the game.

Calvin Bassey drew the first blood in the 65th minute but Harry Maguire later leveled with a tap-in from close range.

His compatriot, Iwobi buried the game in favour of the visitors with a counter-attack to leave the Red Devils eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.

Reacting to the disappointing result, Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag said: “We showed big character by fighting back and then we had opportunities to win the game.

“We let them escape because one player takes the wrong position. Don’t let them escape from a throw-in in the corner.

“Fulham are a good team but we could have pressed better. After we found out how to manage that I think we got better in the game. We had very good chances.

“They had chances as well but, during the first half, I had the idea we got better and better. We had a slow start in the second half and we lost Casemiro, which cost us the goal.

“We had strong belief. We went for the win. That is the character from this team and that is great to see.”