Manchester United vs Fulham Review

BRAVE FULHAM GO FOR GOLD BUT END UP TAKING DA SILVA 

New boys Robin Van Persie and Shinji Kagawa both score on home debuts to Rain on Fulham’s parade, inflicting them with an ‘undeserved’ defeat

Written by  Stavros Constantinou

If Manchester United ever had a bogey team it would certainly be Fulham and based on their performance on Saturday, you can tell why.  Fulham took the lead within 3 minutes at Old Trafford with a clever free kick on the edge of the box.  Damien Duff ran onto a ball assisted by Bryan Ruiz to calmly slot passed David De Gea at his near post. 

The early goal was very much a ‘wake up call’ for United as they equalised 7 minutes later with a piece of nonchalant brilliance by Robin Van Persie. If you think the Vesuvius was loud you should have heard Old Trafford erupt!  The technique and execution shows just why united paid £24m for the 29 year old, silencing any critics who claim he would not be as prolific at United as he was at Arsenal.  United later made it 2-1 with a simple tap in by Kagawa as Schwarzer spilled a long range shot by Tom Cleverly. 

Welcoming present - Van Persie curls in a classic half volley to the delight of the Utd fans

Rampant Rafael! Full back or striker? Based on his performance on the weekend, he can play everywhere; he was simply nothing less than fantastic. His efforts were then rewarded with the 3rd United goal in their 3-2 victory over Fulham after heading in at the back post from a cross by Ashley Young. Sir Alex Ferguson will be very excited to have him back as his game had look to have matured and developed after returning from injury.  

Superman stances? - Petric pressure results in clumsy Vidic own goal

David De Gea: United’s Jackal and Hyde! At 3-1 United looked to be cruising but in a moment of pure nonsense and confusion, Fulham find themselves right back in the game which at the time looked unlikely. De Gea was found picking the ball out his own net for the second time in the game after he and Nemanja Vidic had got in each other’s way after being put under great pressure by Petric, epitomizing United’s defensive frailties. United in the second half were very much up against it as Fulham unleashed an onslaught of attacks forcing De Gea into action once again, saving from a long range attempt from Dembele which was safely tipped over the bar. The Bombardment continued as Fulham hurled the ball into the box and had a header saved once again from De Gea  as Ruiz connected with a cross from Dembele, luckily it was right at the keeper and proved to be a clear cut save in the end. United characteristically held on and walked away with all the points which in football, regardless of how well you play is the main objective.  

Wayne Rooney looked to have suffered a very bad gash on his right thigh after it had looked like Hugo Rodallega had accidently landed on him. Hopefully not much damage has been done but the injury means that Rooney will be out of action for up to 4 weeks, however with United’s striking options and with Van Persie proving that form is temporary but class is permanent you would think that United will have no problems but who knows?

Rooney blow - Rooney desperately holds leg after a collision with Rodallega 

Based on United’s first two performances do they look like winning the title back? No!... it is early days yet and with the new boys Kagawa and Van Persie who have evidently looked to have found their feet and comfort in the team , Sir Alex will not be worried.  It is not how you start the season but how you finish it and United will want to reclaim 1st place and take the gold.