Paul Pogba inspires Manchester United to easy win over Fulham

United cruised to a win at Craven Cottage

Claudio Ranieri encourages Fulham to be 'soldiers who will fight to the end' ahead of Man Utd clash

Manchester United saw off Fulham with plenty to spare as they moved into the top four in the Premier League.

Two goals from Paul Pogba and a third from Anthony Martial were more than enough as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's unbeaten run was extended to 11 at Craven Cottage.

Here's how it played out:

Please allow a moment for the blog to load

[9 February 2019 12:25 · Kishan Vaghela]

So, just over five minutes till kick-off at Craven Cottage, and I'm sure from the barrage of stats I've thrown at you so far today, there's not exactly a great deal of hope for Fulham.

While they have won just four league games this season, there have been some dramatic high scoring games this season.

Just think back to Southampton in Ranieri's first game, or the win over Brighton.

A very different proposition here today though and United will be confident of going into the PSG game full of confidence.

[9 February 2019 12:30 · Kishan Vaghela]

1 min: Fulham 0-0 Manchester United

We're underway at Craven Cottage. Can Fulham stop the rot here?

[9 February 2019 12:32 · Kishan Vaghela]

2 min: Fulham 0-0 Manchester United

Huge huge chance goes begging for Fulham early on!

The hosts break from a United free-kick and Schurrle finds Vietto at the back post, but the latter's balance is all wrong and he scuffs his shot horribly wide at the near post. 

[9 February 2019 12:34 · Kishan Vaghela]

4 min: Fulham 0-0 Manchester United

What a start this is from Fulham! Vietto clips the ball in for Mitrovic who sees his header clear, before Schurrle hits the rebound over the bar.

All the play in Manchester United's half at the moment. 

[9 February 2019 12:38 · Kishan Vaghela]

9 min: Fulham 0-0 Manchester United

Fulham can ill-afford that though.

Le Marchand's pocket is picked by Pogba deep in the Fulham half, but the hosts get enough bodies back to crowd out the Frenchman.

The warning signs are there.

[9 February 2019 12:43 · Kishan Vaghela]

14 min: Fulham 0-0 Manchester United

It's calmed down a bit on this blustery afternoon in west London after an exhilarating opening 10 minutes. Both sides looking to establish some momentum in midfield.

[9 February 2019 12:44 · Kishan Vaghela]

GOAL! Fulham 0-1 Manchester United (Pogba 14')

That's not Sergio Rico's finest moment. Martial slips the ball to his fellow countryman, who smashes in first time with his left foot for an almost startled Rico at his near post..

Seven goals in his last eight Premier League games for Pogba, and those early nerves from the visitors seem to have dissipated. 

[9 February 2019 12:49 · Kishan Vaghela]

Hard to argue with any of that at the same time.

[9 February 2019 12:52 · Kishan Vaghela]

21 min: Fulham 0-0 Manchester United

A few challenges in the last few minutes that have certainly left their impact on the receiving player's end. It's got a bit feisty at the Cottage.

Fulham however are yet to really respond to going a goal down. There early chances show they can be a threat this afternoon though.

[9 February 2019 12:53 · Kishan Vaghela]

GOAL! Fulham 0-2 Manchester United (Martial 23')

This is absolutely outstanding from Martial, and very reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo at the Cottage in 2007.

The Frenchman receives the ball from Phil Jones and he storms half the pitch fending off weak challenges from the Fulham defenders before finding a precise finish into the bottom corner.

Some goal that.