Manchester United recorded their biggest win this season as goals from Lukaku, Rashford, Mata and Ashley Young was enough to
It was a poor start for the visitors. The ‘Cottagers’ set a new club record of 20 top-flight fixtures without a clean sheet as Ashley Young scored his first goal in 13 months in the opening fifteen minutes.
Young received the ball from Rashford and the England full-back did well to create the opportunity out of nothing. Young, on the left wing, cut inside on his right foot before cleverly putting it through Odoi's legs. The piece of skill gave Young an opening on the edge of the Fulham box, however it was not a favourable angle. The 33-year-old did not care as he rocketed a right footed dipping effort past Sergio Rico and in to the top corner, a brilliant finish and start for Mourinho’s side.
Manchester United have won 21 of their 23 home matches against Fulham in all competitions. Confidence of this fine run continuing rose after Juan Mata doubled Manchester United’s lead. Lukaku played in Rashford, who ran into the area on the left side and squared the ball across the inside to Mata. The Spaniard effortlessly passed the ball home from the edge of the area as Sergio Rico helplessly watched the ball nestle in the bottom right hand corner of this goal.
A defeat for the ‘Red Devils’ would have resulted in their lowest points tally after 16 matches of a Premier League campaign, so there was a collective sigh of relief when Romelu Lukaku put the game to bed. Their third goal came from a corner on the left, which was well worked to put Mata free. Lukaku had the simple task of tapping in in his low cross. It was Lukaku’s first goal at Old Trafford since March and after 14 appearances.
One of Mourinho’s main criticisms has been about his defence. United have conceded ten Premier League goals at Old Trafford this season, already surpassing their total goals against at home in 2017-18 and that turned to eleven after a sloppy penalty. Ander Herrera was adjusted to have brought down Kamara in the penalty area. Replays show that this may not have been the correct decision, however referee Lee Probert waved away any United protests.
Kamara stepped up and confidently sent De Gea the wrong way, however there was more drama a minute later. Anguissa was shown a second yellow card for a mistimed challenge on Marcus Rashford.
Ten minutes later Marcus Rashford had a goal for himself. It was the 21-year-old’s first of the season, in a game which he has started. Rashford hammered the ball past Rico and his near post from the edge of the penalty area. The Spaniard got a hand to it, however the sheer power forced the ball in to the back of the net.
The numerical advantage played to United’s hands as they happily kept possession and ran down the Old Trafford clock. Fulham are now winless in 11 Premier League away games, losing their last seven in a row - their worst run for 12 years.Fulham's tally of nine points after 16 league games is their joint-worst at this stage of a league season, level with 1993-94 in the third tier.