Man Utd staff rejected bizarre request from players after Fulham defeat

Manchester United staff turned down a shock request from players following the 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Saturday.

United's unbeaten start to 2024 came to an end at Old Trafford after Alex Iwobi popped up with a dramatic 97th minute winner.

Calvin Bassey opened the scoring in the 65th minute before Harry Maguire levelled matters in the 89th minute.

United's game-management late on from a Fulham throw-in was a mess and Adama Traore broke before setting up Iwobi for a dramatic winner.

It was a tenth loss of the season for United in the Premier League but the response from players surprised coaches.

According to Jamie Jackson of The Guardian, some members of United's squad asked for the day off following the loss.

Typically, Erik ten Hag has his players in the day after a game for a warm down and video analysis.

Image: Getty

And so the request from United stars was immediately shot down by staff members, with Ten Hag thought to be none the wiser about his players wanting a day off.

The Dutchman famously made his players come in for a 13.8km (8.5 mile) run after the 4-0 defeat to Brentford last term, joining the side for the punishment.

United return to action on Wednesday and will look to bounce back on Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup fifth round.

Previewing the game, Ten Hag told a press conference: "When you are unbeaten for January and February and you lose one game… we know our aim is to win every game. As United, you have to win every game.

"Obviously, it was a poor performance, a poor defeat, we are aware of this, and we want to stay in every competition. So, on your first question, yeah, we have to win tomorrow. But that doesn't change our approach, because that is [the case] for every game."