English Premier League: Pogba and Martial goals fire Man United into the top 4

Pogba’s brace and an Anthony martial goal helped Manchester United to climb into the top four for the first time this season since the opening weekend when they recorded a victory against Leicester.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made six changes to the starting line up that won 1-0 against Leicester last weekend, while the notable omission was Marcus Rashford, who was crowned Premier League Player of the Month during the week.

Fulham started the match brightly as both, Luciano Vietto and Andre Schurrle were guilty of missing good chances inside the first seven minutes into the game.

Paul Pogba scored his 10th goal of the season from Martial’s pass inside the Fulham penalty area and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that went past Sergio Rico at the near post in the 14th minute.

Nine minutes later, Phil Jones released Anthony Martial just inside United’s half. He then charged forward past Odoi and Le Marchand and placed his shot past Rico to make it 2-0 to the visitors. At this stage United had 2 shots on target of which both were goals, demonstrating how efficient they were during the first 25 minutes of the match at Craven Cottage.

Ranieri changed his formation five minutes into the second half, to three at the back. He substituted Schurrle for Christie but Fulham at that point was unlikely to cause any trouble to Solksjaer’s men.

Le Marchand, who had a day to forget, fouled Juan Mata inside the penalty area and Paul Pogba converted the penalty to score his second of the afternoon and slotted the ball past Sergio Rico.

Solskjaer later substituted Pogba for McTominay and Martial for Sanchez. Sanchez shot straight at Rico when through on goal. Ryan Babel could have scored a consolation goal for the hosts instead, he hit the ball against the outside of the post from the byline.

The result is massive for the visitors as they climb into the 4th position in the Premier League table. The first time they have recorded six consecutive away victories since 2009. On the other hand, Fulham defensive problems still continue as they fight against relegation this season.

Things we learnt from this fixture

1. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, United already have a plan B and are quite the dynamic set of players.
2. Top three is more than a possibility considering all the teams’ current form playing for a Champions League spot.
3. Fulham’s definitely joining Huddersfield and will be going down come to the end of the season.
4. Paul Pogba is arguably the best midfielder in the league at the moment. Major role in United’s return to fourth place.
5. United played some of their best counter-attacking football this season against Fulham.