Michael Carrick’s Manchester United side snatched a dramatic victory against Fulham in a pulsating Premier League clash, courtesy of a brilliant late strike from Benjamin Sesko. The visitors had initially taken control of the fixture, opening up an advantage through clinical finishes from Casemiro and Matheus Cunha. Fulham, however, showed immense character to fight back. A penalty from Raul Jimenez, followed by a spectacular effort from Kevin, saw the hosts draw level with just minutes left on the clock. It wasn’t to be for the London club, though, as second-half substitute Sesko delivered a superb finish to ensure all three points headed back up north. United’s recent upturn in fortunes has been significantly boosted by the return of Amad and Bryan Mbeumo from the Africa Cup of Nations, alongside Harry Maguire finally regaining full match fitness.
Mainoo’s Resurgence and a Price Paid by Iwobi Central to United’s revitalised midfield has been the reintegration of Kobbie Mainoo. Operating alongside Casemiro, the 20-year-old’s commanding presence has allowed Bruno Fernandes to push higher up the pitch into his preferred attacking midfield role. Mainoo’s combative performance certainly left a lasting impression on Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, and quite literally at that. Taking to YouTube after the dust had settled on Sunday’s encounter, the Fulham man playfully called out his opponent while showing off heavily bandaged fingers. “Shout out Kobbie Mainoo, but Kobbie man… you absolutely finished my hand,” Iwobi joked, attributing the damage to his rival’s “Ghanaian strength.” The exact moment the injury occurred remains a bit of a mystery, though it seems highly likely to have happened during a fierce tussle for possession where the United youngster simply came out on top.
From the Fringes to a Fresh Contract This current run of form marks quite the turnaround for Mainoo. Just a month ago, a January loan exit seemed entirely plausible. Under former head coach Ruben Amorim, the midfielder had been severely restricted, seeing barely 200 minutes of Premier League action this season after being told he was competing directly with Fernandes for a starting berth. Napoli were heavily tipped to offer him a temporary route out, with the Italian champions eager to add him to a squad already featuring former United men Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund. Yet, the picture looks radically different now. Rather than heading for the exit door, the young talent is widely expected to sign a contract extension, with formal discussions set to get underway shortly.
Cottagers Add World Cup Winner to the Ranks Away from the immediate fallout of the weekend’s clash, Fulham have been busy strengthening their own squad, completing the eye-catching loan signing of André Schürrle from Borussia Dortmund. The 27-year-old forward arrives on a two-year deal, marking his return to English football just as the Cottagers step up their Premier League campaign. The west London club swooped in quickly to secure his signature. “I’m so happy to be here and can’t wait to get started,” the 2014 World Cup winner remarked during his unveiling in the capital. He warmly noted that Fulham being the first club to show genuine interest was a massive factor in his decision to make the move.
The Financials and Familiar Territory Behind the scenes, the terms of the deal represent a significant commitment from Fulham. The club has agreed to a loan fee of around €400,000 and will cover Schürrle’s entire salary, saving Dortmund a hefty €7 million per season. There is no option to buy included in the arrangement. Dortmund’s sporting director, Michael Zorc, publicly thanked the forward for his efforts via the club’s website, wishing him the very best for his stint in London. Schürrle, whose Dortmund contract runs until the end of June 2021, is certainly no stranger to the rigours of the Premier League. He previously spent a year and a half at Chelsea after joining in 2013, making 65 competitive appearances, scoring 14 goals, and providing three assists. Even though he departed Stamford Bridge for VfL Wolfsburg midway through the 2014/15 campaign, his contributions were enough to earn him a Premier League winner’s medal.
