Ademola Lookman 7, Tosin Adarabioyo 6; Paul Pogba 8, Bruno Fernandes 7 - Fulham v Manchester United player ratings

Pogba thundered a left-foot shot past Fulham keeper Alphonse Areola in the 65th minute to earn United a 2-1 win

FULHAM RATINGS: Alphonse Areola, 6 - The PSG loanee had a shocker when he fumbled what should’ve been a regulation cross collection, allowing for Edinson Cavani to nod home an equaliser, but dusted himself down to make a great save at full stretch to deny Bruno Fernandes shortly after. A wonder save midway through the second half denied Cavani a second. AFP

Nick Judd and Andy Mitten

Jan 21, 2021

French midfielder Paul Pogba described as "beautiful" his winning goal at Fulham that sent Manchester United back to the top of the Premier League on Wednesday.

epa08953881 Bernardo Silva (front) of Manchester City celebrates after scoring the 1-0 lead during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Aston Villa in Manchester, Britain, 20 January 2021. EPA/Martin Rickett / POOL EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.

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United's record signing thundered a left-foot shot past Fulham keeper Alphonse Areola in the 65th minute to earn United a 2-1 win.

It was the second week running that Pogba had scored the winner, having also volleyed a decider at Burnley that sent United top for the first time this season.

Wednesday's strike was even better and put United back above Leicester City and Manchester City with 40 points from 19 games.

"Was a beautiful one," he said of his third league goal of the season. "When you go with your instinct you don't think and sometimes it goes well and that is what happened today."