Erik ten Hag praises defender for 'massive' performance in Fulham win
- Late Bruno Fernandes winner gave Man Utd crucial three points away at Fulham
- Defenders impressed as the Red Devils picked up sixth league victory of the season
- Ten Hag praised centre-back for "massive game"
Erik ten Hag picked out Harry Maguire for praise after Manchester United's 1-0 victory at Fulham on Saturday.
The Red Devils scooped three desperately needed points at Craven Cottage thanks to Bruno Fernandes' 91st-minute winner, having successfully kept a blunt Fulham attack at bay for much of the contest.
Maguire took a blow to the head in the first minute and was checked by the club doctor for concussion, passing those protocols, as he and Jonny Evans picked up a clean sheet. Raphael Varane came on as a late substitute, while Lisandro Martinez is a long-term absentee.
Maguire was a dominant aerial figure, winning eight headers in the victory, and Ten Hag highlighted his performance for special credit.
He said: "He was playing a massive, massive game. A very good performance.
"He showed leadership and in and out of possession he was very good, so I'm very pleased with that performance from Harry."
Luke Shaw was again absent for United as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot took up the full-back roles, while Christian Eriksen partnered Scott McTominay in midfield with Casemiro not available.
Rasmus Hojlund's goalless streak in the Premier League continued while Antony was anonymous before his withdrawal and Ten Hag admitted his side need to find more creativity in the final third.
He added: "I think from the back we played decent, we played solid but as I say I think in the final third we have to improve our quality.
"Every game we have to win. I think it was a solid performance, so I am pleased with it. I am pleased especially with the spirit of the team. I was pleased with the way we pressed.
"Fulham, I think they play very decent football from the back but we never allowed them to play from the back. We were very good in the pressing and winning second balls.
"Also the ball progression, it's clear that when we came in the box we have to create more but I think in terms of composure on the ball it was a step up."
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