Fulham star Calvin Bassey has offered a damning verdict on Manchester United, claiming Marco Silva’s team “wanted it more” after their first win at Old Trafford in 21 years.
Bassey had put Fulham ahead from a corner midway through the second half, only for Harry Maguire to score the equalizer in the 89th minute.
Fulham recovered and got the winning goal their performance deserved when Alex Iwobi converted a clever counter-attack in the 97th minute.
Asked if United had become soft, particularly in midfield, after a tenth Premier League defeat, Bassey reckoned it was down to desire, not quality.
‘I don’t think you can just come here and invade them. You can see the quality of the players they have,’ he stated.
Calvin Bassey scored for Fulham in Saturday’s victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Bassey said Fulham “wanted it more” than United, who suffered their 10th league defeat
It was another punishing afternoon for United, a setback after recent positive results.
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“They have top-level players, a top-level coach and players who can have an effect from the bench, but we were more into it and I felt like we wanted it more today.” “That showed in the way we played.”
Fulham arrived at Old Trafford with the second-worst away form in the league and had not won in the U16 since a 3-1 triumph in 2003.
But United are unpredictable and exhausted by injuries to Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw last week, Fulham sensed an opportunity.
“Of course we had faith,” Bassey added.
‘If you saw the last few games we played, even the one we played at home (against United) when we lost right at the end, it was just the details and making sure we got them right. It turned out well for us, thank God.’
While Iwobi stood out after scoring the winning goal, Bassey wanted to highlight the importance that Silva has for this group.
The Fulham manager was increasingly animated in his technical area, jumping with joy and fury at missed decisions and opportunities. No matter how hard he tried, he tried to kick every ball with his players.
Erik ten Hag’s team suffered another painful defeat as their disappointing season continued.
Alex Iwobi scored the winning goal in the 97th minute to give Fulham a shock 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.
“100 percent,” Bassey said, when asked if Silva instilled his desire in them.
“Even if we’re not good on the ball, the least we can do is work as hard as the team we’re playing against or harder. That’s our foundation and I think we’ve done well all season.
“Some results have been unfortunate and others have favored us.”
