Martin Jol started with an attacking line-up for the visit of Manchester United to Craven Cottage on Wednesday evening but it was United who drew first blood on five minutes when Danny Welbeck finished off a surging move with a simple finish from the edge of the six yard box. The instigator of the move was the in-form Nani, whose surging run down the left wing created the opening.

The goal was the only spark of activity from the opening exchanges, with most of the game’s early moments being played at more of a measured pace. Fulham were certainly enjoying more time in possession than their opponents, but United’s attacks, though sporadic, were the more penetrative.

David Stockdale was clearly the busier of the two goalkeepers, having to produce routine saves from Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney but as the pressure started to grow on the Fulham back line Stockdale was becoming an increasingly important figure for the Whites.

United doubled their lead on 27 minutes when a corner routine saw Ryan Giggs swing a dangerous delivery into the Fulham penalty area. Nani was able to get in front of his marker and glance a header past the outstretched palm of Stockdale and into the far corner of the net.

Manchester United’s wide players were the key factor in the visitors’ attacking play. Antonio Valencia was a constant threat down the United right wing and Nani, playing in more of a floating role, was proving instrumental in most of United’s best attacks.

United made it three-nil on 42 minutes after Ryan Giggs’ shot cruelly deflected off Philippe Senderos and looped agonisingly over the head of David Stockdale.

Fulham made a positive opening to the second-half, playing at a visibly higher pace than in the first 45 minutes. A spell of Fulham pressure early in the half culminated in Clint Dempsey forcing a fine save from Andres Lindegaard after a Danny Murphy corner.

Fulham continued to press and shots from Mousa Dembele and John Arne Riise had Lindegaard looking on nervously – whilst a Clint Dempsey daisy cutter produced a comfortable stop from United’s Danish goalkeeper.

A series of niggling fouls and stoppages in play disrupted Fulham’s momentum and United were again back in control. Danny Welbeck came close to scoring his second of the match but his goal bound effort deflected wide after striking Chris Baird.

As the second-half progressed Fulham started to attack with more urgency and only timely blocks from the United defence prevented Mousa Dembele and Clint Dempsey from testing Lindegaard.

Stephen Kelly replaced Chris Baird midway through the second-half as Martin Jol looked to reduce Fulham’s deficit.

The Whites created a fine scoring opportunity for Andrew Johnson on 77 minutes, with the striker being played through into space in the penalty area. Johnson’s powerful strike was tipped over the bar by Lindegaard – unfortunately the touch was not sopped by the officials and United resumed with a goal kick.

Wayne Rooney made it four for the visitors on 87 minutes with a spectacular shot from 30 yards that gave David Stockdale little chance. The scoring was rounded off on added time when substitute Dimitar Berbatov back heeled over the line from two yards.
 

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