Manchester United showed how far they've come in 10-second move against Fulham

It's easy to forget, but Manchester United actually played a game on Sunday and won. This week has been all about the fallout from Cristiano Ronaldo's explosive interview, so much so that the win at Fulham has largely been forgotten about.

That in itself is the biggest problem for United. Ronaldo has gone from arena headliner to novelty circus act and become a needless distraction from the main show.

Monday morning should have been filled with compliments for academy graduate Alejandro Garnacho after his late strike secured another unlikely win, but instead the agenda was dominated by a man at the other end of his career, one who is ruining a reputation rather than building one.

What is a real shame is that Ronaldo's antics have overshadowed a performance that showed glimpses of everything Ten Hag has instilled at United so far. There were moments of brilliance, a clearer identity in the way they played, and even the fact they managed to survive Fulham's pressure and win the match showed just how improved the mentality is when previous sides would have crumbled.

In particular, there was one 10-second spell that summed up United's work ethic, creativity, and craft under Ten Hag, with new signings and rejuvenated players at the heart of it.

Fulham were looking to play out from the back when captain Tom Cairney received possession inside his own half. He turned his man, dropped his shoulder, and raced forward, only to be stopped on the halfway line by Casemiro's perfectly-timed tackle.

So often, United have been criticised for lacking any backbone and being so easy to play through. They stood firm this time and launched a lethal counterattack.

The ball was propelled forward to Christian Eriksen, who reacted quickly despite taking a heavy first touch to prod the ball on to Anthony Martial. While the French forward would much rather be in between the two goalposts, he dropped back when United lost the ball in order to help offer some defensive threat. This allowed him to pick the ball up midway in the Fulham half and run into acres of space.

Martial charged into the box, forcing the Fulham defenders back, before carefully passing to Bruno Fernandes, who fired an effort at goal. Eriksen was unmarked at the back post when the shot deflected off the foot of Issa Diop. It was a fortunate break, but United had made their own luck, particularly the Danish midfielder who reaped the benefits of his risky run into the box.

They had gone from defence to attack in 10 seconds and had a goal to show for it. A summer signing had started it, another had finished it, and the rejuvenated Martial played a key role because he had bought into the vision of his new manager.

Perhaps the only concern is that United still look a much deadlier side playing on the counter-attack than they do when they try to meticulously break down opponents in the manner Ten Hag ultimately wants his side to do.

But in a week when United have made headlines for reasons other than football, it is only fair that they be lauded for their efforts on the field as well.

The next five weeks will no doubt be dominated by Ronaldo again, but at Craven Cottage last weekend, there was plenty of reason to see why the future looks so bright without him.