What Fulham boss Marco Silva said of ‘decisive’ Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey after historic Manchester United win

The two Nigeria internationals were the matchwinners for the Cottagers on a memorable night at the Theater of Dreams

Fulham head coach Marco Silva has spoken highly of Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, who scored the goals that powered his side to a historic 2-1 over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Two weeks after both featured in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations for Nigeria against Cote d’Ivoire, Silva named Iwobi and Bassey in his starting eleven at the Theater of Dreams.

And after a good spell for Fulham, Bassey gave the visitors the lead with a firm, right-footed finish in the 65th minute. It was the Nigerian defender’s first goal for the club since joining from Ajax last summer.

Manchester United equalised through Harry Maguire in the 89th minute.

However, Fulham had the last laugh when Iwobi produced an expert finish past goalkeeper Onana deep into stoppage time.

Pleased to guide Fulham to their first away win at Old Trafford since 2003, manager Silva confessed that Iwobi and Bassey are key players for his side.

When asked how he felt seeing Bassey celebrating his first Fulham goal in different ways, Silva told BeINSports:

“Of course, it’s always an important moment (scoring your first goal). But not just him this afternoon. The two players (Bassey and Iwobi) that were at the Africa Cup (of Nations). And that we miss them.

“They were decisive in terms of the goal. It just shows how they are important for us in the way I want to play, in our way. It’s really nice to see both scoring goals and helping us to win.”

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) February 24, 2024
Fulham, with the memorable win, are guaranteed to stay 12th on the Premier League table this weekend, regardless of results from other venues.