Manchester United moved to within just three points of fourth place with victory over Fulham on Sunday evening, with Erik ten Hag’s men running out 2-1 winners courtesy of some late heroics from super-sub, Alejandro Garnacho.

The highly-rated 18-year-old’s stoppage-time strike helped to ultimately spare the away side’s blushes at Craven Cottage, with the Red Devils having faced a real stern test against an opposition who have made a smooth return to life in the Premier League.

The heartbeat of Marco Silva’s side – and the game’s Man of the Match – was seemingly summer signing Joao Palhinha, with the Portugal international producing a typically industrious performance from his defensive midfield berth.

If things had panned out differently, however, the 27-year-old could well have been lining up for the visitors on the day, with reports earlier this year suggesting that the club were extensively scouting the towering colossus, who has been described as being “as strong as an Ox” by Sky Sports reporter Jamie Weir.