Manchester United probably played one of their worst games in EPL this season, but they still managed to claim all 3 points from Craven Cottage, thanks to the personal brilliance of Cristiano Ronaldo.
It’s one of those matches that the better team didn’t win the game; Fulham should at least deserve a point, but luck was not on their side… and clearly, they didn’t have someone like Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese winger ran with the ball from his own half, got pass 3 Fulham players before smashing the ball low for a late goal on 88th minute to give United a precious 9 points lead on top of Premiership table.
Fulham started the game brightly and threatened United’s defence right from kickoff. United’s defence looked clumsy under pressure, and the moment came when goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar and defender Nemanja Vidic miss communicated and allowed Brian McBride to snatch the opener for Fulham on 17th minute.
The goal however worked as if a wake-up call for United, and the Red Devils began to organize their attack, with Ryan Giggs looking potent particularly. Their effort paid off on 29th minute, and none surprisingly, it’s Giggsy that got the goal, thanks to a good cross from Wayne Rooney.
Left back Patrice Evra had a good chance to take the lead for United before half time, but couldn’t keep his composure and sent the ball wide.
2nd half was all about Fulham until Ronaldo’s strike; Tomasz Radzinski was unlucky to see his header crashing the bar just minutes after restart. Simon Davies had a couple of chances, and McBride had his chance to score another too.
Van der Sar did pretty well to amend his 1st half’s mistake by making series of good save to deny Fulham’s attack.
United had attempted some attacks but looked lifeless… and the game was moving into stalemate. Then, rather unexpected, Ronaldo scored his solo effort and seized the day… all 3 points for United.
Some pundits like to say that it’s a sign of a champion to claim points despite playing poorly; perhaps this season will really be the season for Manchester United.