Ten Hag's covert transfer message?
Erik ten Hag, speaking pre-match, insisted that his decision to name only eight out of a permitted nine substitutes was due to him having "no more players available who can help us today."
Indeed, the presence of two goalkeepers on that depleted bench was far from ideal.
But was it perhaps an attempt at mind games by Ten Hag towards his bosses? It could plant the seed of thought within his superiors' minds that the club needs to strengthen and bolster his squad in January. Ten Hag will most likely deny such a ploy existing, but it would not be the first time a manager has sent a covert transfer message to his club's transfer department.
Read more: United player ratings from last-gasp win over Fulham
Malacia experiment fails
Tyrell Malacia was signed by United as a left-back. Many will say professional footballers need to be versatile, to some extent, and so the Dutchman cannot have been overly surprised to be asked to cover the opposite full-back slot against Fulham, given Diogo Dalot's suspension.
But the decision was eye-raising in that Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the only other recognised right-back at the club, was not in contention for the role.
Malacia was deployed but undeniably struggled. He was run ragged at times by Willian and was at fault for Dan James' equaliser. Thankfully, Dalot will be available once more when United resume their league campaign next month.
Muted celebrations at both ends
Christian Eriksen opened the scoring for what was his first goal for United. However his goal celebration may need some working on.
Plenty of United fans took to social media to poke a tongue-in-cheek dig at the Dane. He almost looked embarrassed to punch the air in delight when he tapped in from a few yards out.
That muted celebration was followed by another when Dan James restored parity in the second half. Netting for the first time against the club where he made 74 appearances, he understandably declined to revel in the moment despite it being the first time he'd found the net in nine months.
There was no danger of that happening when Garnacho struck a vital late winner, instead, huge celebrations followed.
Last gasp winner sparks seventh heaven
This was United's 14th league game of the season and the final result continued a fine tally.
In seven of those matches they have scored the first goal - and won every single one. As this game wore on it looked like the streak was about to end but then popped up Alejandro Garnacho with a late, late winner.
It added to victories over Liverpool, Southampton, Leicester, Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham.
READ NEXT:
