Manchester United kept up the heat on rivals City at the top of the Premier League after producing a dominate performance to thrash Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were irresistible on the Thames scoring five without reply sending a clear warning to the blue side of Manchester in the process. Danny Wellbeck, Nani and Ryan Giggs gave United a three goal lead before the half time whistle before Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov scored twice in the final two minutes to put the gloss on a commanding display. Martin Jol’s men never recovered from going behind after five minutes and just couldn’t cope with the visitors pace and intelligence as they lost for the third time at home this season.
It was always going to be difficult for the Cottagers to force themselves into the game once Wellbeck had put United in front with just five minutes on the clock with the England striker cooly slotting home Nani’s cross after the winger was allowed to carry the ball 50-yards unchallenged. More slack defending would cost the home side as the Red Devil’s doubled their lead just before the half hour mark with Nani heading home Ryan Gigg’s cross following a short corner routine with Antonio Valencia. The Welsh veteran would get on the scoresheet himself just before half time seeing his strike from the edge of the area loop over Mark Schwarzer after Nani was once again given time and space to pick out a pass. The goal was Giggs’ first of the season and ensured he’s scored in each Premier League campaign since it’s inception in 1992.
The second half was a mirror image of the first although United failed to increase their lead until the 88th minute. Fulham were slightly better after the break and did create a few chances but failed to fully test Anders Lindegaard who is yet to concede a goal in the top-flight. The Dane was rarely tested and his only real contribution of the second half was to save a Clint Dempsey header as the home side looked for an avenue back into the game. Moussa Dembele curled an effort wide from range and John Arne Riise clipped the post with a fierce free kick before United scored twice late on. Rooney stepped up first lashing a magnificent 30-yard effort past Schwarzer before substitute Berbatov cheekily back heeled the ball home from close range to score his 50th goal for the club.
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