Ole Gunnars Solskjaer made six changes to his Manchester United side following their hard fought 1-0 away win against Leicester City last week while Fulham made two changes after their 2-0 defeat at Selhurst Park to Crystal Palace.
But it was same result for the Red Devils, who play Paris Saint German (PSG) on Tuesday as they maintained their unbeaten run under Solskjaer with a comprehensive 3-0 win and the result leaves the Cottagers dangerously in the relegation zone while United leapfrog Chelsea to fourth for the first time since their opening day victory against Leicester City at Old Trafford.
Here are the five things we learn’t from the game that you might have missed:
1. Solskjaer recognizes the backbone of his squad is the midfield
Ander Herrera, Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba are the spine of the Manchester United team and Solskjaer recognises that. He left the trio despite making six changes to the side that defeated Leicester City 1-0 away from home last week.
Against Burnley, Matic and Herrera were rested and they raced to a 2-0 lead but the Red Devils rescued a point with two late goals in that encounter. The United caretaker boss played all three despite an all important test against Paris Saint German in the premier league on Tuesday.
Already this Man United squad have defeated Juventus away from home but under Jose Mourinho and that showed their character and Ole resting players against Fulham tells a lot about his believe to win that UEFA Champions League showdown.
2. Pogba is the real leader of the current United squad
David de Gea wore the Captains armband for Manchester United against Fulham but the real leader of that squad is Paul Pogba. The French World Cup winner carries the team beautifully and Solsjaer has recognised that.
The Norwegian has built the squad around the Frenchman and their free flowing football has given them so much confidence and they are blowing teams away. Pogba scored two goals to take his tally to 11 – the most he has scored in a single season in his career.
3. Mike Phelan talks a lot of tactics with Solskjaer
Solsjkaer’s assistant Phelan is making his experience count as he constantly discusses tactics with the caretaker United boss on the sidelines. Phelan’s experience of serving under the great Sir Alex Ferguson is paying off and the United squad is benefiting from it.
4. Man United fans are happy again
Manchester United fans are having the time of their lives at the minute as they’ve enjoyed the new brand of football and massive turnaround from their side under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The fans were unhappy when Jose Mourinho was in charge and their football was boring and slow – too defensive atimes but it has all changed now with United going on an 11-match unbeaten run under Solskjaer.
5. Rashford benched for 90minutes
Marcus Rashford is the main striker under Ole Gunnars Solskjaer but he wasn’t even needed against Fulham as the Red Devils romped to a 3-0 victory. The England international was rested as the manager plans to upset favourites Paris Saint German (PSG) in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League clash.
Romelu Lukaku too his spot in the starting XI but did not register a goal despite playing for 90minutes but had a good game. Rasford is expected to return on Tuesday against PSG alongside Jesse Lingard and Victor Lindelof, who were all rested.