Friends of Fulham

http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/news/2011/04/10/andy-jonhson-set-for-summer-move-to-west-brom-102039-23049957/


Andy Jonhson set for summer move to West Brom


Apr 10 2011


by Steve Bates, The People


ANDY JOHNSON is heading to West Brom this summer in a £3million switch from Fulham, with Baggies boss Roy Hodgson set to lose Peter Odemwingie to Juventus.

Former Fulham boss Hodgson is keen to link up again with 30-year-old Johnson, even though the ex-England striker has been hit by injuries over the past two seasons.

And with Odemwingie, 29, being targeted for an £8m summer move to Turin, Hodgson plans to draft in Johnson. Losing Odemwingie will be a big blow if Albion stay up.

But the Nigerian flyer, signed from Lokomotiv Moscow for only £1m last summer, has attracted plenty of interest after hitting 10 goals in 23 league games this term.

http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/2011/04/10/manchester-united-2-0-fulham-united-close-in-on-prem-crown-102039-23050388/



Manchester United 2-0 Fulham: United close in on Prem crown


Apr 10 2011 by Steve Bates, The People

(http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/people3/apr2011/8/3/man-united-main-832847829.jpg)


THE big prize might have eluded Sir Alex Ferguson's horse ­yesterday – but his team have their own winning post in sight.

Dress the parade ring, bring out the ribbons – and get Chelsea to load the Premier League trophy on to their team bus heading to Old Trafford on Tuesday.

For with six games to go and 10 points clear of second-placed Arsenal, Fergie's thoroughbreds are galloping towards a record 19th league title.

What A Friend may have pulled up tired and short of victory in the Grand National, but Ferguson's squad seem to be getting stronger as the days tick by.

And if the opposition are all as soft as Fulham, United could have it as good as wrapped up by the time they host Chelsea in the Premier League on May 7 – two weeks before the season ends.

Wayne Rooney watched from his box while he served the first game of his two-match ban for letting fly at the cameras last week, but he was not missed.

Conviction

Fulham were just what United needed before Tuesday's big Champions League game with Chelsea.

The Cottagers have given United a rough ride at Craven Cottage the past few seasons, but at Old Trafford they often display the hallmarks of a team who lack conviction.

Fulham have lost all but one of their nine Premier League games at United and have won once on their travels this season.

On that form, Fergie had a better chance of riding his horse to victory in the ­National than Mark Hughes' stars had of picking up three points here.

"We're Man United, we do what we want" sing their fans – and when defenders allow Ferguson's stars a free passage to goal, like Fulham's did, there is no one better at taking advantage.

All the pieces fell into place for Ferguson yesterday and he had the luxury of playing only three of the team likely to face Chelsea – Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic and Antonio Valencia.

It helped, of course, that Fulham were not inclined to tackle but still, Nani, Paul Scholes, Dimitar Berbatov, Anderson and Chris Smalling are hardly B-list stars – and they were way too good for the visitors.

Nani was the star turn with a delicious display loaded with pace and quality, but having played the whole game it is likely he will be left out in favour of Ji-Sung Park's industry, and the winger will keep Berbatov company on the bench for the Euro tie.

The Bulgarian striker opened the scoring with a silky finish, his 21st goal of the ­season. And that must have tasted sweet.

Berbatov had not started the previous three games against Chelsea, West Ham and Bolton despite being United's top scorer, and at times he looks as if he cannot believe he is not playing every game.

His crisp finish came after wonderful work by Nani. The Portuguese winger danced past three powder-puff tackles before playing a one-two with Anderson and slipping in Berbatov to strike the ball into the far corner.

The striker looked level at best but ­referee Michael Jones waved play on and Fulham's only protest came from Hughes after the final whistle.

The goal was a blow for the visitors who had started brightly. United's stand-in keeper Tomasz Kuszczak made smart saves in the opening five minutes to deny on-loan Chelsea youngster Gael Kakuta and Moussa Dembele.

And Bobby Zamora, a two-goal hero in the 3-0 win over Blackpool last Sunday, fired a superb eighth-minute chance over the bar.

But having edged in front United never looked like losing their advantage. The only danger posed was from themselves – with Brazilian midfielder Anderson shockingly wasteful in front of goal.

His shooting ability borders on the ­comical – but no one was laughing when Berbatov bamboozled Hangeland and laid the ball on a plate for the Brazilian inside the box.

Somehow, Anderson missed the target, dragging his shot wide. Thankfully for United, Valencia knows where the net is and he effectively finished the contest on 31 minutes.

The Ecuadorian star has made a ­fabulous recovery from his early-season ankle break and has returned quicker and hungrier than ever with a workrate few can match.

Evra played a super ball down the left flank for Nani, who easily beat the ­onrushing Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer before going for goal.

Avalanche

Chris Baird slipped as he attempted to keep the winger's shot out and could only head the ball into the air, allowing Valencia to mop up with a point-blank header for his first league goal of the season.

That should have signalled an avalanche but United took their foot off the gas and gave Fulham some encouragement.

Schwarzer pulled off a decent save as Anderson finally got his shooting radar right moments after half time but Fulham sub Eidur Gudjohnson was a whisker wide with a terrific effort.

Zamora and Baird both went close and although Nani was always a danger United seemed happy to let the game fizzle out, to Ferguson's dismay.

But the United boss does not need to take the whip to his stars – at this rate they will win with plenty to spare.

Fulham to jump for Jol again if Hughes leaves in the summer


By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 10:47 PM on 9th April 2011


Martin Jol is lined up to be the new Fulham boss if Mark Hughes leaves Craven Cottage at the end of the season.

Jol, close to taking the job before Hughes was appointed last summer, eventually stayed with Ajax but left the Dutch club in December.

The former Spurs boss has told friends he expects to work in England again.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/04/09/article-1375318-04BC0272000005DC-255_468x310.jpg)
Fulham bound?: Martin Jol make take over in the summer


Hughes signed a one-year deal with an option for a second, but took the Fulham post prior to Martin O'Neill quitting Aston Villa, a job for which he would have been a strong candidate.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1375318/Fulham-jump-Martin-Jol-Mark-Hughes-leaves-summer.html#ixzz1J4YS2LfP (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1375318/Fulham-jump-Martin-Jol-Mark-Hughes-leaves-summer.html#ixzz1J4YS2LfP)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/apr/10/michael-jackson-statue-fulham (http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/apr/10/michael-jackson-statue-fulham)

Los Angeles fires dig at Mohamed Al Fayed and Michael Jackson statue

The LA Times criticises Fulham's 'lunatic' owner over 'the ugliest statue in Britain' at Craven Cottage


Share   Giles Richards The Observer, Sunday 10 April 2011 Article history

(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2011/4/9/1302361023174/Michael-Jackson.-Fulham.--007.jpg)
Mohamed Al Fayed poses in front of the statue of Michael Jackson at Fulham's Craven Cottage. Photograph: Str/EPA


Go to hell. Or go to Chelsea. The stark choice posited by the Fulham owner, Mohamed Al Fayed, to detractors of his Michael Jackson statue, unveiled last week. But before this fairly large demographic ("the ugliest statue in Britain" said almost 70% in a Guardian poll) takes the easy option and joins the Evil One for an eternity of suffering, it turns out that there is another potential destination: Los Angeles.

La la land, somewhat inexplicably, seems to have taken against Fayed's folly more enthusiastically than domestic fans weighing-up Drogba or Dante. Reporting on the proposed statue in March, the LA Times set a tone it was to develop with gusto: "One wonders what Fulham soccer greats of the past – Johnny Haynes, for instance – would make of all this fuss. Well, at least the pigeons will appreciate it." A gentle dig, written before the city of angels had a look at the actual piece. 'Statue outside Fulham soccer stadium even more appalling than feared,' read the first banner in reference to what the article called "the thing" that was "grotesque" and "up there with the worst of London's many visual atrocities".

A little harsh for admirers of St Paul's, but it turned out to be only the opening salvo: 'Statue is an affront to decency and an insult to fans', read the next headline. "I thought we had some crazy sports owners here", the piece continued, "but not one of them would have been so unaware and obtuse as to erect a giant statue of a man accused multiple times of child molestation." It then asked: "What's next? A huge bas-relief of Gary Glitter on the walls of Craven Cottage?"

Yet the humorous tone soon turned mournful: "Things looked rosy for the Cottagers heading into this season ... That is gone now. The grim realization that their club is owned by a raving lunatic with piles of cash is unavoidable. Oh, I almost forgot. If you aren't into Fayed's pederast on a pedestal, he has a personal message for you: Go f*&$ yourselves." Which surely means hell. Or Chelsea.

Gael's Top Ten Target


Saturday 9th April 2011

(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Players/Kakuta/VManUnitedAway.jpg)


Gael Kakuta made an impressive first start for Fulham on Saturday afternoon in what proved to be a disappointing trip to Old Trafford.

The 19-year-old who joined the Whites on loan from Chelsea in January gave a lively demonstration of his ability in what was a positive full 90 minutes for the youngster.

"It was good to get a whole game under my belt," said Gael to fulhamfc.com. "It's something I have waited a little while for, so of course, this was very pleasing.

"What wasn't pleasing was the result, it wasn't the best of afternoons for the team. Manchester United are a very good side and they showed why they are at the top of the league today.

"Old Trafford is a great place to make your first start, it's just a shame I couldn't celebrate the occasion with three points.

"I had a few good moments, but I think I could have done better - but the game will have done me a lot of good."

A 2-0 defeat saw Fulham slip to just their second league defeat in eight games, with the Whites slipping to 11th place in the table.

"We have been on a good run of form so it was frustrating that we couldn't extend that," added Gael. "We moved down a place in the league, but our ambitions of finishing in the top 10 are still on track.

"We have six games left, so there's plenty of points up for grabs to make sure that happens. Having played today, of course, it's my hope to be involved in more games as the season draws to an end.

"I'm enjoying my time at Fulham, where I feel I have improved further as a player, and would love to play my part in what will hopefully be a strong finish to the season."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/April/KakutaUnitedReaction.aspx#ixzz1J4ZUiGRT (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2011/April/KakutaUnitedReaction.aspx#ixzz1J4ZUiGRT)

Fulham star recalls how Jackson's visit was less than a Thriller


Published 23:00 09/04/11 By Paul Smith - EXCLUSIVE

(http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/incoming/article719707.ece/ALTERNATES/gallery-large/Michael+Jackson+statue-Al+Fayed+cropped)


Michael Jackson could never have known the notoriety his one and only visit to Craven Cottage would create.

It was back in 1999 that the pop superstar turned up for Fulham's game against Wigan.

Twelve years on and owner Mohamed Fayed has ­unveiled a controversial statue in honour of Jackson, who died in June 2009.

Nobody can dispute the cash and commitment Fayed has poured into Fulham ­although his verdict that anybody who didn't like the wacky statue of Jacko could either go to hell or follow arch-rivals Chelsea has ­disturbed some loyal ­Cottagers.

Now a former Fulham star, who played against Wigan that day, claimed Jackson's ­appearance in the home ­dressing room stopped just short of turning into a major ­embarrassment.

He said: "When they said Jackson was at the ground most of the players fell about laughing. We thought it was a ­complete wind-up. We half expected someone to turn up wearing a Jacko mask and ­silver glove. But when we were told the chairman was bringing him down to meet us the whole thing ­descended into farce.

"One player claimed it was a stupid joke and threatened to pull the mask off the ­imposter's face when he ­appeared. I'm not sure whether he lost his bottle or became sceptical once the dressing room door opened and ­Jackson was confronted by another player doing a moonwalk ­impression. Half the players didn't even know where to look let alone what to say to him. We did wonder whether it was one of those lookalikes who makes a living out of ­impersonating stars.

"His face looked real enough and he did sound a bit like Jackson. It's not an experience you tend to forget in a hurry that's for sure."

Fayed, who is the multi-­millionaire chairman of the west London club, unveiled the bizarre 7ft 6ins statue of Jackson last ­Sunday ahead of his team's clash with Blackpool.

The 78-year-old Fulham ­supremo ­commissioned the statue ­following the singer's death and had originally planned to place it in Harrods ­before selling the store.

Opinion on the placing of the statue outside the ground remains divided but the vast majority of ­Fulham fans are not ­impressed.

One fan even claimed it looked more like Man ­United winger Nani.

Other disgruntled fans have gone on Fulham ­message boards threatening to tear the thing down.



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Former-Fulham-player-recalls-how-Michael-Jackson-s-visit-descended-into-farce-article721448.html#ixzz1J4aZBVJn (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Former-Fulham-player-recalls-how-Michael-Jackson-s-visit-descended-into-farce-article721448.html#ixzz1J4aZBVJn)

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/185553/Leicester-4-Burnley-0-Man-power-gives-Sven-play-off-lift-/ (http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/185553/Leicester-4-Burnley-0-Man-power-gives-Sven-play-off-lift-/)

LEICESTER 4 BURNLEY 0: MAN-POWER GIVES SVEN PLAY-OFF LIFT

 
10th April 2011 By Peter Oakes


LEICESTER 4 -- BURNLEY 0



SVEN GORAN Eriksson is banking on his future being orange after Diomansy Kamara gave the kiss of life to the Foxes' play-off hopes.

The Senegal striker stood out from the crowd on his home debut – and it wasn't just his colourful boots that caught the eye.

Kamara, on-loan from Fulham, guided a shot beyond Brian Jensen after a neat one-two with Yakubu.

The hitman was too hot for the Clarets to handle, also winning a 52nd-minute penalty scored by Paul Gallagher, after tempting Andre Bikey to dive in.

Eriksson said: "Kamara had a good home debut. He can score goals, he's shown that.

"He was very good for us and can't do too much better than he did today."

The lively Gallagher doubled his season's tally with a powerful 25-yard drive and Patrick Van Aanholt opened his Foxes account from the edge of the box.

Burnley boss Eddie Howe said: "They were by far the better team. Once the second goal went in it was a tough afternoon. It was pretty hard to watch."

http://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2011/04/09/manchester-united-2-0-fulham/

Manchester United 2-0 Fulham

Filed under: Match reports — rich @ 6:39 pm

What to make of that? First, we must always remind ourselves that playing away to the champions elect is not an easy thing. Against that, Fulham turned in one of the more empty performances of recent times. It was as if United were playing against their own U18 side at half pace on a Tuesday afternoon.

Which is also weird because for the first few minutes we looked fantastic. Some of the movement between the lines was nice, the passing angles were clever, unusual. We had three decentish half-chances. Then...

Nani waltzed through a few tackles, slipped in Berbatov, goal. Why couldn't anyone stop Nani in the buildup? Really, really, disappointing. The cries for offside may have been correct, but it was close – Salcido and Berbatov looked level enough to me.

Then another. Schwarzer came out and didn't get a long ball, eliminating himself from the defence. Nani chipped a falling Aaron Hughes, whose glanced header only diverted the ball to Valencia, who headed home from a yard out.

Two ridiculous goals, and from there it was if Fulham decided that it wasn't their day after all and stopped trying. These are professional footballers, I know it doesn't work like that, but it's so disappointing? They can do much better.

The United team was: O'Shea, Smalling, Vidic, Evra, Scholes, Gibson, Anderson, Nani, Valencia, Berbatov. Of course these are good players – they're about to win the league – but they shouldn't be able to completely nullify a Fulham side that's close to full strength and that wanted to have a go. Perhaps with the two goal donation United just didn't take risks, and there was nowhere for Fulham to play. Perhaps the heat was stifling. Perhaps it's just one of those things.

Again, let's remind ourselves: United away. But these games offer players the chance to show what they're made of, the chance to show that they can compete with the best. Who in the Fulham side earned 7/10? Hangeland did well, as usual, Dempsey showed up, Murphy tried, but Zamora was too isolated, Dembele disappointed, Kakuta (after a very lively start) showed why at the moment he's best suited to 10 minutes at the end of games, and everyone else really failed to make an impact. Gera came on and at least showed some effort, but effort isn't enough, is it?

These games happen, but it seems a shame that Manchester United away has become such a waste of a fixture.

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/239802/Manchester-United-2-Fulham-0-United-romp-with-home-straight-in-sight (http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/239802/Manchester-United-2-Fulham-0-United-romp-with-home-straight-in-sight)

MANCHESTER UNITED 2, FULHAM 0: UNITED ROMP WITH HOME STRAIGHT IN SIGHT  



Manchester United 2, Fulham 0


Sunday April 10,2011


By John Richardson 


MANCHESTER UNITED 2, FULHAM 0: WHAT A Friend might have not have delivered at Aintree but Sir Alex Ferguson's United romped 10 points clear of the Premier League field.

The going is now certainly good for a United side wearing blinkers – their trainer anxious to protect them from the outside world which he believes is conspiring against them.

Never mind What A Friend – it's more like what a lead for Ferguson's team as they enter the final furlong of the season.

Ferguson's froth at his five-game touchline ban and a two-match suspension for Wayne Rooney, who watched yesterday's stroll in the sun from his private box, continued with a stirring message in his programme notes.

"We are a club who can overcome all difficulties and attempts to knock us off our perch," he wrote.

He wouldn't have been too impressed with comments from former keeper Peter Schmeichel, who told a Danish newspaper that United would be better off selling Rooney. "I think it would be good for him to get away and play for another club, " observed the great Dane.

Yesterday they didn't need him as United did the damage in the first half.

But Ferguson rapped: "I don't think it was a job well done at all. We were a bit casual, lackadaisical and took chances.

"In the first half there was some very good football and we could have scored a couple more.

"But at this time of the season winning is the name of the game."

Nani, all tricks and a real treat for the watching United hordes, was simply unstoppable in a first half show which put this game to bed.

Without a doubt Nani, on the PFA shortlist for the Young Player of the Year award, is maturing into one of United's A-list performers. Fergie's patience, when many were doubting the winger's pedigree, is being rewarded.     

Nani burst into life after Fulham had threatened to create a stir of their own, with three clear-cut opportunities in the opening 10 minutes, Gael Kakuta and Moussa Dembele forcing Tomasz Kuszczak into action, while Bobby Zamora lost his composure to slice wide.

Nani, though, displayed cool precision to set up Dimitar Berbatov for the Bulgarian's 21st Premier League goal of the season.

Brilliant footwork – by the slaloming Ryan Giggs' standard – took out two challenges before a consummate one-two with Anderson had the Fulham alarm bells ringing.

They were deafening in the away dug-out when the linesman's flag stayed down as Nani found Berbatov, who had wandered offside.

The striker – who has been in the shadows in recent weeks – hasn't lost his finishing finesse, rifling past Mark Schwarzer.

Fulham boss Mark Hughes said: "The first goal was offside but we didn't have enough ability to ask questions of them."

The second Nani-inspired United strike was completely legal. Patrice Evra sent Nani racing free down the left flank. Schwarzer's rush out of goal was negated by Nani's speed and agility and it was Antonio Valencia who prospered, with his first goal of an injury-ravaged season, heading in at the far post.

Fulham's early sparkle was now a distant memory.

There was a scare – when sub Eidur Gudjohnsen went close with a long-range effort which had the United boss reaching for the phone from his stand seat. Although it was around the time the Grand National was due off, so you never know.Ref: M Jones Att: 75,339MAN UTD: Kuszczak; O'Shea, Smalling, Vidic, Evra; Scholes, Anderson (Fabio 77); Valencia (Owen 73), Gibson, Nani (Carrick 87); Berbatov.

FULHAM: Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido; Kakuta, Murphy (Greening 82), Etuhu (Gera 68), Dempsey, Dembele (Gudjohnsen 56); Zamora.

MAN of the MATCH:

Nani – coming to the boil just at the right time for Manchester United. A key component of his club's title charge.



Read more: http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/239802/Manchester-United-2-Fulham-0-United-romp-with-home-straight-in-sightManchester-United-2-Fulham-0-United-romp-with-home-straight-in-sight#ixzz1J69j0i1j (http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/239802/Manchester-United-2-Fulham-0-United-romp-with-home-straight-in-sightManchester-United-2-Fulham-0-United-romp-with-home-straight-in-sight#ixzz1J69j0i1j)

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6862039,00.html (http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6862039,00.html)


Hughes - We were off colour

Boss believes the Cottagers weren't at their best at Old Trafford


Last Updated: April 9, 2011 6:43pm


Mark Hughes believed his side had not played as well as they can in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Nani provided both assists as first half goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia sunk the Cottagers.

The defeat and results elsewhere saw Hughes' side drop to 11th in the table on 38 points - six above the relegation zone.

"We gave ourselves too much to do today," Hughes told Sky Sports, adding he believed his side had started brightly enough.

"Once we'd conceded the first goal which I'm a little bit disappointed about because it obviously was offside and shouldn't have counted.

.Body blow

"But the second goal coming almost immediately after that was a real body blow for us and at that point - 2-0 down - it is very difficult for us to have an impression on the game because United have been in this situation many, many times before.

"They get people behind the ball and just play counter-attacks from that point of view, so that's the situation we found ourselves.

"Obviously we were better second half but really that was more to do with United seeing the game out comfortably."

Hughes is confident his side can stay up this term.

"It is up to us to get the points on the board, we are more than capable. Today we didn't hit anything like the level we know we're capable of but we have got other games where we played exceptionally well.

"Today we were up against a very good team so we have to hold our hands up and we weren't good enough today."

http://manutd.theoffside.com/manchester-united/a-fine-win-against-our-bogey-team-vs-fulham.html

A fine win against our bogey team (vs Fulham)

By: Shaun | April 9th, 2011


Considering our recent history against Fulham, this was a thoroughly encouraging and enjoyable display from the men in red.

Impressions:

1. First goal was a delight to watch although it was tarnished by a hint of offside. Nevertheless, Nani's trickery and movement followed by Ando's touchback to him and Berba's finish summed up what United are capable of at their best.
2. Nani must have been itching to get out there today (after being left on the bench against Chelsea) and had his way down the left. At times, he frustrated Berba with his reluctance to release the pass earlier, but overall, he was in storming form. His touch to get past Schwarzer and composure to not shoot immediately after was commendable.
3. Valencia creates a buzz every time he receives the ball because there is nothing superfluous about his touch or movement. His nature of play is to be incredibly direct whenever possible and he got the better of Calcido today down the right. His goal, while all down to Nani, was well deserved considering his injury plagued season and his return to form almost immediately after coming back into the team. It's good to see him back and in fine form for squeaky bum time.

4. Playing one up front worked well today since our attack flowed so predominantly down our flanks. The issue with Berba as a lone forward has always been his tendency to drop too deep to receive the ball at his feet effectively giving us a more packed midfield, but without a target man further forward to keep the defense honest. With Nani and Valencia in such a rampant mood today, we were able to attack down the flanks repeatedly and reduce our need to run all our attacks through Berba.

5. Games like today will hopefully convince Scholes to come back next season. With Gibson and Ando (especially) providing him protection and muscle in midfield, he was free to move the ball around at will. If we can upgrade in the offseason with even more bite in the middle of the park, he would be free to contribute with what he does best without having to worry too much about having to cleanup in front of the back four.

6. It was weird to see Ando as the farthest forward of our midfielders at various points in the game since his composure and passing in the final third aren't exactly top class. Considering some of the space in which he found himself today, you wonder what someone of Sneijder or Ozil's quality/creativity could have conjured up. Ando is more the battering ram that puts his head down and runs through the crowd to create chances.

7. One of the biggest positive from today's game was that we finished the 90 without picking up any injuries. That's a big plus in light of our love affair with the treatment table recently.

8. Evra didn't grab any headlines today, but his overall defending, movement and distribution were outstanding. It's taken a long time, but the debacle in South Africa looks to finally be off his shoulders and mind.

In other news, Chelsea won today thus keeping themselves in the hunt. We're now 10 points clear of Arsenal although you feel like they will cut that back down to 7 after their game tomorrow against Blackpool.

Ultimately, we know that winning our remaining league fixtures will see the title return to OT regardless of how the other 2 teams perform. Squeaky bum time indeed.

Mark Hughes BBC video interview -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/9452920.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/9452920.stm)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/8439565/Michael-Jackson-joins-our-hideous-collection-of-public-sculpture-courtesy-of-Mohamed-Fayed.html



Michael Jackson joins our hideous collection of public sculpture, courtesy of Mohamed Fayed


(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01863/mj_one_act_1863268c.jpg)
Our streets and stations are home to a rogues' gallery of spavined mannequins, laments Michael Simkins.

Striking: the statue of Michael Jackson Mohamed Al Fayed has bestowed upon Fulham FC Photo: Action Images


By Michael Simkins 7:00PM BST 09 Apr 2011
62 Comments

Many people have condemned the statue of Michael Jackson plonked outside Fulham FC last week by the club's owner, Mohammed Fayed, as a monstrosity. Call me a barbarian, but I find myself rather taken with it. With its garish hues and skin the consistency of modelling putty, it may have more than a touch of Toys R Us. But at least it accurately resembles the singer, if only for a brief period in the mid-1990s, in between various surgical enhancements.

What is it about British sculpture nowadays? Anyone walking through central London, where outstanding examples from the last three centuries abound, could be forgiven for thinking we're world leaders in the field. Yet in recent years, we seem to have lost the manual. How else can you explain the rogues' gallery of spavined mannequins that litters our streets and squares?

Whether it's the figure of Bessie Braddock at Liverpool Lime Street, or The Family in Milton Keynes, which resembles a group of refugees from Thunderbirds, too many recent examples seem (to my untutored eye) to be at best lumpen and lifeless, and at worst utterly unrecognisable.

The grosser aberrations may have hoovered up much of the publicity and opprobrium – I'm thinking here of the 2007 statue of Southampton footballer Ted Bates, which was removed from outside the ground after fans accused it of looking like one of the Krankies – but there are many less obvious miscreants.

Among my personal bêtes noires is the statue of Isambard Kingdom Brunel at Paddington that's closer to Jack Wild as the Artful Dodger; The Commuter at Birmingham Snow Hill, who brings back happy memories of the Homepride flour graders (users of the line assure me the figure is actually the petrified remains of a real passenger, still waiting for the delayed 18.07 to Droitwich); and the hubristically titled The Spirit of Cricket, which stands outside the Priory Meadow shopping centre in Hastings.

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Al Fayed defends his tribute to Jackson
04 Apr 2011
This last figure is intended to commemorate more than 100 years of the professional game, as it was once played on the site. But far from evoking the artistry of Compton and Hobbs, it seems to depict the BBC's economics correspondent, Hugh Pym, in a sunhat, treading on his stumps while attempting a particularly cack-handed paddle shot. (I'm assured by mutual friends that Mr Pym is actually a pretty useful cricketer, who would never dream of giving his wicket away in such hapless fashion.)

The one glorious exception to this doleful litany is the figure of Sir John Betjeman on the concourse of St Pancras station. It perfectly captures not only the man himself (the tubby frame, with one hand raised to hold on to his trilby) but his spirit as well, as he stares up, with a mixture of absorption and awe, at the magnificent vaulted roof of a building he was instrumental in saving.

Yet even here, we've managed to bugger it up. Poor Sir John is dwarfed by a nearby monstrosity 10 times his size called The Kiss, depicting two lovers locked in a sleazy embrace, the whole 10-ton edifice looking as if it's just been transported from the pre-Glasnost Soviet Union. That Sir John should have to gaze upon it morning, noon and night is surely too much to bear.

The American intellectual Susan Sontag once wrote: "Much of modern art is devoted to lowering the threshold of what is terrible." Perhaps Mr Fayed should consider putting her statue up beside Jacko's.

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Manchester United 2 Fulham 0: match report


Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on Saturday April 9.

MANCHESTER UNITED2 - 0
FTFULHAM Saturday, April 09 15:00
Premier League
Old TraffordBerbatov (12)Antonio Valencia (32) (HT 2-0)
ATT: 75,339 

(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01868/Dimitar_Berbatov_1868769c.jpg)
On top: Dimitar Berbatov celebrates scoring Manchester United's first goal in their defeat of Fulham Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By Mark Ogden, Old Trafford 4:45PM BST 09 Apr 2011

6 Comments
Dimitar Berbatov pressed his claims to maintain Manchester United's Treble bid in the absence of the suspended Wayne Rooney by putting the league leaders on course for victory against Fulham at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson's team moved ten points clear of second-placed Arsenal, who face Blackpool at Bloomfield Road on Sunday, by cruising to the three points against Mark Hughes's team.

With Antonio Valencia scoring the second before half-time, United were able to conserve energies ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea.

And they also proved they can cope without Rooney, who will also miss next Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley.

Berbatov may be United's club record signing following his £30.75m arrival from Tottenham in Sept 2008, but the Bulgarian continues to struggle to claim a regular starting place in Ferguson's team.

This was only his third start in 12 games and, had Wayne Rooney been available rather than beginning a two-match ban for swearing into a television camera at West Ham last week, Berbatov might have been forced to watch another game from the dug-out.

It has been a mystifying fall from grace for the 30 year-old. He remains the Premier League's leading goalscorer and his match-winning goal against Bolton last month, after coming on as a substitute, was a crucial strike for United on a day when Arsenal dropped points at West Bromwich.

Berbatov's measured performance, again as a substitute, during the second-half fightback at Upton Park last Saturday was another example of his ability to turn games in United's favour, but he was back on the bench for the Champions league victory at Chelsea in midweek.

If he is unhappy with his reduced involvement, though, Berbatov does not show and public utterances of discontent has been conspicuous by their absence. He is letting his football do the talking and, once again, he proved a point with another goal against Fulham.

Although it came as early as the twelfth minute, it was a turning point nonetheless. Fulham had started brightly, with Gael Kakuta, Moussa Dembele and Bobby Zamora all going close inside the opening ten minutes.

An unfamiliar United starting XI, without Rooney and the rested Edwin van der Sar, Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick, could have wobbled had they suffered the blow of conceding early.

But Berbatov's opener settled nerves and snuffed out Fulham's early confidence. The fact that the forward was offside when he received the ball from Nani might also alleviate the sense within Old Trafford that United have no luck when it comes to officials making tight calls.

Nani's dribble 30 yards out saw him play a one-two with Anderson before he threading the ball to Berbatov. The striker peeled away from his marker before guiding a right-foot shot past Mark Schwarzer to register his 21stgoal of the season and, from that point on, United were firmly on control.

Anderson should have extended their lead on 20 minutes when he shot from 12 yards, but Nani, overlooked for the seven-man shortlist for PFA Footballer of the Year, made another key contribution on 32 minutes when he teed up Valencia for the second goal.

With the exposed Brede Hangeland playing Nani onside, the Portuguese winger sprinted free down the left before racing past the stranded Schwarzer, who had attempted to deal with the situation on the edge of the penalty area.

Having rounded the Australian, Nani clipped the ball to Valencia at the far post, where the Ecuadorean headed in his first goal since returning from a six-month ankle injury lay-off last month.

Valencia almost created a third for United two minutes into the second-half following another dart past the overworked full-back Carlos Salcido.

Valencia's pass picked out Anderson, but the midfielder's shot was saved by Schwarzer.

United struggled to create the opening for a decisive third goal, however, and Fulham twice went close to halving the deficit.

Eidur Gudjohnsen brought a fingertip save from Tomasz Kuszczak with a 25-yard strike before Zamora sent a free-kick narrowly over the crossbar.

United never appeared in real danger, however, and it appeared as though they were happy to coast through the final half hour in order to conserve energies ahead of their next encounter against the other half of west London on Tuesday evening when Chelsea head to Old Trafford for the Champions League quarter-final second-leg.

If United can wrap up that game as quickly as this one, the quest for the Treble will gather increasing pace.

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Ferguson critical of 'casual' United


ESPNsoccernet staff


April 9, 2011


Sir Alex Ferguson watched his side go ten points clear of title rivals Arsenal but was far from happy with the nature of Manchester United's performance during their 2-0 win over Fulham.

Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia grabbed the goals as United eased past the Cottagers at Old Trafford, but despite increasing their lead at the top of the table Ferguson wasn't impressed with his players.

"It was a result but I wouldn't say it was a job well done at all," he said. "We were a bit casual and lackadaisical.

"In the first half we played some very good football and could have scored a couple more, but we became wasteful with our possession in the second and might have suffered for that."

Arsenal can reduce the gap to seven with a win at Blackpool on Sunday, but with games running out, United's lead looks to be formidable.

Berbatov's strike was his 22nd of the season and Ferguson purred over the move that led to the opener. "That was a great goal,'' said Ferguson, who made eight changes in total, although he denied he had taken Fulham lightly. "You trust the squad. It wasn't a risk when you know the players. I picked the right team.''

Ferguson has already confirmed Valencia will start against Chelsea in the second leg of United's Champions League quarter-final with Chelsea on Tuesday. The Ecuador star has stepped superbly back into the heat of combat after spending six months on the sidelines with a major knee injury.

He nodded home the loose ball after Aaron Hughes had cleared Nani's goalbound shot, his first goal since August's Community Shield. "Valencia is a marvellous footballer," Ferguson said.

"We chose the right time to take him off and get him fresh for Tuesday. He will have an important role to play then."

It was the brightest part of Ferguson's afternoon given his well-fancied horse, What A Friend, failed to complete the Grand National at Aintree. "Apparently What a Friend was lying seventh three fences out," he said, "but he came home tired."

Mark Hughes said his old club are on course for the Treble, even if he accepts United still have plenty of work ahead of them to emulate the heroes of 1999. "They could win everything," he said.

"They are ticking games off and when you get to this stage of the season, they have been here, understand what needs to happen and what it takes. It is a big ask. Sir Alex would say himself it is very difficult to do, but trust me, it is something they will try and achieve. Good luck to them.''

If all goes to plan, United's season still has 12 games to go and will reach its conclusion in the Champions League final at Wembley on May 28.

Hughes' United Reaction


Saturday 9th April 2011

(http://www.fulhamfc.com/Images/MainNews/NewsPages/Management/Hughes/vManUnitedAway.jpg)


Speaking after Saturday's Barclays Premier League encounter between Fulham and Manchester United at Old Trafford, Mark Hughes gave his post match assessment of the Whites' two-nil defeat.

"I thought we started brightly enough," said the Fulham Manager. "We had a couple of opportunities early on. I was reasonably pleased with the start that we made but obviously the first goal was a poor one to concede.

"We shouldn't have allowed that situation to develop, we had opportunities to get our foot in, get bodies across and stop that opportunity at source.

"At one-nil down you need to get back into the game quickly but we conceded another poor goal, it was a comedy of errors really. From their [United's] point of view, they could get people behind the ball and just play counter attack, which they did.

"We're disappointed with our first-half performance, when you come to United you have to give yourself a platform by having everyone playing well.

"But we got ourselves together in the second-half and made a better fist of it, but we never really looked like we were going to get back on level terms. On the day they were worthy winners."


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Manchester United Photo Special


Saturday 9th April 2011

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Manchester United 2 - 0 Fulham

With just two defeats in their last 11 league games, Mark Hughes' side entered the game in confident mood. Well aware of the Whites' fine form, his counterpart, Sir Alex Ferguson, took nothing for granted in naming a strong starting XI despite his team's imminent Champions League Quarter-Final second-leg.

Manchester United were missing the suspended duo Wayne Rooney and Jonny Evans, but Paul Scholes did return after serving his own ban, while former Fulham centre-back Chris Smalling came in for Rio Ferdinand.

Fulham without winger Damien Duff, as a result of a sore Achilles and an injured Simon Davies, saw on-loan French youngster Gael Kakuta make his first start for the Club.

The Whites had last won at Old Trafford in October 2003, when Lee Clark, Steed Malbranque and Junichi Inamoto were on target in a 3-1 victory, yet despite a positive start this was another trip to forget.

Mousa Dembélé cut in from the right to shoot, and his low strike forced a decent save from Tomasz Kuszcak, while the Belgian's strike partner, Bobby Zamora, also unnerved the United defence, losing the attentions of Smalling before firing wide.

At the other end Nani had one shot expertly blocked by Aaron Hughes, while Brazilian midfielder Anderson fired over from a good position as the hosts began to control the early exchanges.

And it was from one such spell of possession that United took the lead, with a clever interchange on the edge of the Fulham box creating room for Dimitar Berbatov, who casually slotted the ball into the bottom right corner of the net on 11 minutes from close range.

United's opener was unquestionably debatable, with the Bulgarian striker seemingly edging into an offside position, however, referee Michael Jones waved away Fulham's appeals.

Nani teased a ball into Schwarzer's box as the home side sought a second, but fortunately the Australian stopper beat the on-running Berbatov to the ball.

However, the 'keeper was beaten to the chase on 31 minutes, with Nani pushing the ball past Schwarzer's advances and chipping at goal from the angle. With the ball goal bound, Hughes could only direct its elevation into the path of Valencia, who headed home United's second with the simplest of finishes.

As United finished the half on top, Hughes had to make a fantastic last ditch intervention from another teasing cross from Valencia, with Berbatov lurking in the Fulham goal mouth.

The second-half opened with an imposing run at goal from Clint Dempsey, although within three minutes Schwarzer was needed to beat away a chance for Valencia, while Darron Gibson fired high and wide from the resulting corner.

Dempsey made a good block to deny Gibson a further strike at goal when getting his body in the way of an in-swinging cross from Nani, while Hughes blocked another opportunity, this time from Valencia's delivery from the right.

Fulham did unsettle their hosts in patches, with Dempsey seeing one strike from distance deflected wide, and substitute Eidur Gudjohnsen going close with a fantastic curled effort on the hour.

The lively Kakuta won a fortunate free-kick on the edge of the United area with 20 minutes left on the clock as the Whites threatened once more, but Zamora's subsequent set piece curled wide of the upright.

With Zoltan Gera replacing the more defensive Dickson Etuhu, Manager Mark Hughes underlined his intentions of taking the game to the club where he had a distinct reputation as a player.

And he was almost instantly rewarded when Dempsey and Zamora combined to find Chris Baird unmarked on the right, but the Northern Ireland international's stinging shot dipped over the hosts' goal.

Relatively untroubled in the second period, Schwarzer did well to hold late efforts from Berbatov and John O'Shea, while Brede Hangeland did well to stop a threatening run from the impressive Nani.

The Whites could well have had more to show from an improved second-half showing, however, it was seemingly one of those afternoons for Mark Hughes' side. At Craven Cottage, Fulham have discovered a knack of upsetting United, with two wins and one draw in their last three encounters but it appears Old Trafford is a different proposition.

Unbeaten in the league at home this season, Manchester United look good to claim a record 19th league title. For Fulham, it may have been a day to forget, but with games against Wolves, Bolton and Sunderland on the horizon a top 10 finish is still very much the ambition.

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Fulham powerless to stop Man United red tide

By Yann Tear


Apr 9 2011

(http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/ealinggazette/mar2011/2/1/gael-kakuta-image-2-223481384.jpg)


Man United 2-0 Fulham

FULHAM showed plenty of spirit at Old Trafford, but not enough firepower to seriousy discomfort the league leaders - who never looked in danger of surrendering an early lead.

Dimitar Berbatov netted after 12 minutes after being set up by Nani and the same provider put in a cross for Antonio Valencia to head home number two in 32 minutes.

United made eight changes from the team which played Chelsea in the midweek Champions League tie and they did not need to strain tehmselves ahead of the return leg on Tuesday night.

Eidur Gudjohnsen went close for Fulham at the start of the second half, while a Bobby Zamora free-kick and Chris Baird strike might have brought reward, but it was mostly comfortable for the champions-elect, who hardly missed the suspended Wayne Rooney.

Mark Hughes gave a rare start to Gael Kakuta (pictured), who had one good effort from long distance, but Fulham looked a long way off repeatingn their famous win of 2003 at United.

The Fulham boss said: "We gave ourselves too much to do in that first half. We're a little bit disappointed with the first goal because we felt it was offside and after that we conceded a really poor goal after a comedy of errors really. 2-0 played into United's hands and they could very comfortably see the game out.

"We were better in the second half, but never really had that threat in behind because United could play counter-attack football and soak up any pressure we could try to create."

"Our record at Old Trafford is poor to say the least and anything we would have got today would have been a bonus.

"When you come to the home of the champions elect is very difficult to get a positive result. I don't think anyone else apart from one team has managed that and we didn't look likely to change that."


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Hughes holds hands up


Boss believes Cottagers were below-par at Old Trafford


Last Updated: April 9, 2011 6:53pm



Mark Hughes held his hands up and admitted Fulham were not good enough in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United.

Nani provided both assists as first half goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia sunk the Cottagers.

The defeat and results elsewhere saw Hughes' side drop to 11th in the table with 38 points - six above the relegation zone.

"We gave ourselves too much to do today," Hughes told Sky Sports.

"Once we'd conceded the first goal - which I'm a little bit disappointed about because it obviously was offside and shouldn't have counted - but the second goal coming almost immediately after that was a real body blow for us and at that point - 2-0 down - it is very difficult for us to have an impression on the game because United have been in this situation many, many times before.

"They get people behind the ball and just play counter-attacks from that point of view, so that's the situation we found ourselves.

"It is up to us to get the points on the board, we are more than capable."

Mark Hughes

Quotes of the week

"We were better second half but really that was more to do with United seeing the game out comfortably."

But Hughes is confident his side can stay up this term.

"It is up to us to get the points on the board, we are more than capable," he said.

"Today we didn't hit anything like the level we know we're capable of but we have got other games where we played exceptionally well.

"Today we were up against a very good team so we have to hold our hands up and we weren't good enough today."

Manchester United 2 Fulham 0: It's a stroll in the sun for Fergie's shadow men

By Rob Draper



Last updated at 12:40 AM on 10th April 2011


These are carefree days at Manchester United. Old Trafford, bathed in spring sunshine, witnessed the most routine of victories from the club's back-up players against insipid Fulham.

A record-breaking and hugely satisfying 19th league title looms as United moved 10 points clear; a Champions League semi-final against Schalke is a distinct possibility, and a Wembley date against noisy neighbours a mouthwatering prospect.

So benign is the atmosphere at Old Trafford at present that owners Joel, Bryan and Avram Glazer risked a visit unaccompanied by a phalanx of minders, and nowadays there is barely a green-and-gold scarf in sight. Premier League titles, it seems, not religion, is the opium of the masses.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/04/09/article-1375143-0B8DBD9600000578-378_634x386.jpg)
1-0: Dimitar Berbatov opens the scoring for Manchester United

It was difficult to recall that this is supposedly an embattled club, with fans raging against owners, the manager against the authorities and the star player against who knows whom.

A five-match touchline ban for Sir Alex Ferguson has coincided with three successive wins, while the absence of Wayne Rooney mattered not a jot yesterday.

Ferguson can stop tilting at windmills; he is winning all the battles that matter.

Tougher tests lie ahead this week, and on those games their season will be judged. But it was difficult to escape the general aura of wellbeing yesterday - even Michael Owen got a run out.

The only real blot on the landscape was Ferguson's horse, What A Friend, pulling up at the Grand National, but nothing that happened inside the stadium yesterday should have unduly troubled the wily old master.

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2-0: Antonio Valencia heads the ball in from close range

Not that Ferguson saw it that way. 'I don't think it was a job well done at all,' he grumbled. 'But winning is the name of the game and we showed that great determination. It was a hot sticky day and a lot of people were sunbathing.'

Fulham players mainly. 'You have to give yourself a platform if you're coming to places like this,' said their manager Mark Hughes. 'You need everyone playing well, you need your chances to go in and you really need to compete, which we didn't in the first half.'

Fulham had started as though they had genuinely considered the prospect of making the game a contest. Just 50 seconds were on the clock when Gael Kakuta forced Tomasz Kuszczak into a smart save and five minutes later the Polish goalkeeper, in for Edwin van der Sar, had to touch Moussa Dembele's shot wide.


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Fulham's best chance, however, fell to Bobby Zamora. Played in between United's defence, he had clear sight of goal but pulled his effort wide.

Soon after they were a goal behind, and their desire for a struggle appeared to dissipate.

United took the lead when Nani, a constant threat and playing like a man determined to book his place in the Champions League quarter-final, wriggled from two challenges, exchanged passes with Anderson then placed the ball at the feet of Dimitar Berbatov, who was given the attacker's benefit of a marginal offside decision.

His finish was a confident sidefoot past Mark Schwarzer, his 21st goal in the league this season. Not bad for a support act.

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Reasons to be cheerful: Ferguson's United are ten points clear in the title race

The second, 'a comedy of errors', according to Hughes, was also inspired by Nani. Patrice Evra chipped a ball down the wing for the Portugal winger, who delightfully slipped past the hopelessly rampaging Schwarzer.

He then steadied himself for a cross, which deflected off Aaron Hughes for Antonio Valencia, almost on the goalline, to nod in.

In fairness, a half-time encounter with Hughes did something to spark Fulham out of their lethargy. A sustained period of possession eventually resulted in a decent shot from Eidur Gudjohnsen being tipped wide by Kuszczak - not that referee Michael Jones, who awarded a goalkick, noticed.

But the derision that greeted Kakuta's 65th minute free-kick, which almost reached the second tier of the East Stand, gave a better indication of the seriousness with which Old Trafford was treating Fulham's challenge.

Zamora's free-kick on 73 minutes was at least close and Chris Baird should have done better than shoot wide as United slackened their intensity and were, as their manager said, increasingly drawn deep.

Indeed, when Berbatov troubled Schwarzer in the 82nd minute it was their first strike on goal in almost 20 minutes.


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Who's a Clever boy, then? United's loan star prepares to take on Chelsea

By Chris Wheeler


Last updated at 3:46 PM on 9th April 2011


EXCLUSIVE


For someone who has made a habit of serenading his new team-mates with the Bill Withers classic Ain't No Sunshine, Tom Cleverley certainly has a bright future.

Three times Cleverley has announced his arrival on loan from Manchester United by singing the tune as part of his initiation, and fans of Leicester City, Watford and Wigan Athletic will vouch that one of the most exciting midfield prospects in the Barclays Premier League can be just as entertaining with a ball at his feet.

'It's my party trick, ' says Cleverley. 'It's a bit of a tradition at all clubs. If it's your first away trip you'll be singing that night. We all eat together and then you have to get up on the chair.'

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He's no slouch: Midfielder Tom Cleverley has his eyes on a regular place at Manchester United

Not every young player would choose Championship football or a relegation battle with Wigan over the high life at Old Trafford, but that is a sign of Cleverley's determination to further his career and prove that Sir Alex Ferguson is right to have such high expectations of him.

On Saturday, the England Under 21 international goes to Stamford Bridge with Wigan looking to do his parent club a favour by killing off Chelsea's faint title hopes.
However, if singing for his supper is simple enough for the boy from Bradford, the same could not be said for his United initiation at a hotel in Pretoria on the team's 2008 summer trip to South Africa.

'You have to do a little speech,' he recalls. 'One of the experienced players will ask you a couple of questions, and I got Giggsy. I was 18. It is daunting and that's why they do these things. It's not easy to stand up in front of all those names but you have to. It makes you a bigger person.'

Cleverley knows all about becoming a bigger person. Just how much he has had to grow up is clear from the compilation DVD given to him by his dad, Andrew, for his 21st birthday last August.

From the tiny boy dwarfed by his team-mates in the United U15s as he celebrates scoring on a barren pitch in Kenya in 2004, to the young man claiming a fine goal for Ferguson's side in the Houston Astrodome last summer, it is clear Cleverley has matured into the player his coaches knew he could be if only there was more of him.

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Spurred on: Cleverley featured in the hard-fought draw with Tottenham

At 16, they put him on a different scholarship to the other boys who went into full-time training. He was asked to split his time between United and two more years of school - football's equivalent of 'don't give up the day job'.

'I was never knocked back but I'd say I was doubted,' admits Cleverley, who now stands at 5ft 9in. 'I've never really had it easy in my career. Compared to everyone else in the team I was really small. It was hard for me.

'I always had the confidence that one day I'd be good enough and I always had to let my football do the talking instead of bullying people on the pitch. Even now in the Premier League you see so many big athletes.

'But you just look at three players who were up for the Ballon d'Or - Xavi, Iniesta and Messi. None of them are over 5ft 10in.'

A versatile midfielder with an eye for goal, Cleverley might not measure up to Messi just yet, but he has passed every test so far. When Ferguson handed him a first-team chance in South Africa, Cleverley came up with a goal against Kaizer Chiefs. He did the same against Valencia the following year and two more followed on last summer's tour of North America.

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Inspiration: Cleverley's great uncle, Reg Stratton

Before joining Wigan on loan he enjoyed spells in the Championship at Leicester and Watford. It is a period he believes turned him from a boy into a man.

'Living away from home has never been a problem for me,' says Cleverley, who was 11 when he chose United ahead of Leeds and Blackburn.

'I was in club digs by the age of 15 or 16. Although it's fantastic growing up at United, there's a point where you want a taste of first-team football.

'It's a bit strange to keep going out on loan. I don't think anyone can walk into a club and feel at home on the first day but I've gotten used to it. I've had four clubs and hopefully this time next year it's still four clubs and I'm playing for United.'

Cleverley and Danny Welbeck are the only members of their United youth team now playing in the top flight, but Ferguson is not short of young talent. He continues to place great faith in youth, insisting there is no value in the transfer market, and Cleverley sees comparisons with this generation and that of Beckham, Scholes, Butt and the Neville brothers.

'I'd much rather the manager didn't buy players because he trusts the youth he's got,' says Cleverley. Hopefully we can prove him right. It's going to be very hard to emulate what they did but we'll give it our best shot.

'There are comparisons. Me, Danny Welbeck and Chris Smalling are with the England Under 21s, which makes us closer, and there's a really good vibe around all the young lads. I think there are 12 or 13 players under 24 at United - Javier Hernandez, the Da Silva twins, Bebe, Gabby Obertan, Darron Gibson, Jonny Evans. There are plenty of lads there well capable of wearing the United shirt.'

Cleverley, whose great uncle Reg Stratton played alongside Johnny Haynes at Fulham, admits that Beckham is something of a role model.

'I've never had the blistering pace that other players have had so I always looked to try to play like Beckham. I try to get a bit of Beckham, a bit of Scholes and people have mentioned Park Ji-sung and his work-rate in midfield. They are all great players and I'd love to achieve what they have.

'Growing up at United you learn how to deal with the fame that's ahead. Your feet are always on the ground and you never feel like you've made it.'

Cleverley certainly speaks with a maturity beyond his years, even though there are the obligatory trappings of footballer fame at his Manchester apartment - the Range Rover, the 60in television, and a black gloss pool table with red cloth in United's colours.

He is almost as handy with a cue as he is with a football. Only the other week he was approached by  a stranger at his local snooker hall.

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Loan star: Cleverley has impressed at all the clubs has has played for

'The guy had been watching me and came up and said, "Do you fancy coming down on a Tuesday or Wednesday night and playing for our team?". I told him I'm normally busy midweek!'

Coming from Yorkshire, it is hardly surprising that Cleverley is into rugby league and cricket - 'I was a batsman with a little leg spin in my locker' - and also plays off a golf handicap of 15 with little practice. But it's table tennis where the battle really begins.

'That's got really competitive with the England Under 21s,' he says. 'There's me and Jordan Henderson fighting for the title and Danny Welbeck, Kyle Walker, Michael Mancienne and Jack Cork all trying to get up to our level. Jordan's trying to take over my trophy but he's not there yet.'

Contrary to the words of his signature song, it isn't easy to put Cleverley in the shade.


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There are about 10,000 registered dog walkers who claim to provide scrupulous care for dogs. They charge from £10 to £30 to walk a dog for an hour, inclusive of pick-up and drop-off. Other dogs owned by the same person can be exercised for an extra £5 to £10.

An elite group of pet walkers in London and the South-East exist to pamper the pets of celebrity clients such as Sienna Miller – who has two rescue terrier crosses, Porgy and Bess – and Fulham footballer Danny Murphy, who has a Bernese mountain dog called Jim and a golden labrador, Henry.

Firms such as Pets In The City, run by Sarah Marris, and Very Important Pets, run by trained veterinary nurse Louise Root, belong to a premier league of companies that offer a personal one-to-one dog service for about £35.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1375204/A-new-dog-walker-Bella--just-thousands-UKs-fastest-growing-job.html#ixzz1J6imLeDa (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1375204/A-new-dog-walker-Bella--just-thousands-UKs-fastest-growing-job.html#ixzz1J6imLeDa)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/apr/09/manchester-united-fulham-premier-league (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/apr/09/manchester-united-fulham-premier-league)

Manchester United stroll closer to the title against statuesque Fulham


Share58  Comments (267) Observer report


Manchester United 2 Berbatov 12, Valencia 32
Fulham 0 

Paul Wilson at Old Trafford guardian.co.uk, Saturday 9 April 2011 17.14

(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2011/4/9/1302362976240/Manchester-Uniteds-Dimita-006.jpg)
Manchester United's Dimitar Berbatov celebrates after scoring against Fulham Photograph: Jon Super/AP


Sir Alex Ferguson appealed for the famous fighting spirit to see Manchester United through the crucial games that remain, though there was really no need against Fulham, who were about as convincing as their new statue and nowhere near as frightening.

United are now 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League with six games to play and, like this match, the title race no longer appears much of a contest.

This was more like a lap of honour than the later stages of a marathon, an undemanding stroll in the sun in front of warmly appreciative supporters in their shirt-sleeves.

United have not won anything yet, though it certainly feels as though the league is in the bag. Despite making eight changes from his midweek Champions League line-up and playing only one man up front, Ferguson still saw his side collect the points while barely breaking a sweat.

While the manager's horse might have pulled up in the Grand National, it is going to take a collapse of Devon Loch proportions to halt his team's run to an historic 19th title.

"It's all about winning at this stage, but we were a bit casual and lackadaisical in the second half," Ferguson said. "We played well in the first half and could have had a couple more, but we were wasteful in possession in the second half and could have been punished for that.

"Fulham are a good team, they had chances to score. I don't think it was a risk making so many changes, you have to trust your squad and we had quite a few players who needed games.

"I think I picked the right team, but it was slow in the second half. It was a hot day and I think a lot of people were sunbathing. The supporters must have been saving their voices for Tuesday against Chelsea."

For all that, when United took the lead in the 12th minute it was almost against the run of play.

Fulham had not been causing the home defence any great problems, yet, even by that early stage, they had managed three decent goal attempts – Tomasz Kuszczak saving from Gaël Kakuta and Moussa Dembélé before Bobby Zamora blazed wide when he should have at least hit the target.

Dimitar Berbatov's 21st goal of the season put an end to all that, confirming that, even with just the Bulgarian spearheading the attack, United carry a valid goal threat and, once behind, Fulham accepted their lot quite meekly.

Though Berbatov was in at the beginning of the move that brought the goal, he had taken up a position as a spectator on the edge of the box as Nani beat a couple of players in an attempt to score one of the solo goals of the season. Berbatov was only just level when the ball broke to him after Nani's shot rebounded from Chris Baird, but the flag stayed down and the striker made short work of beating Mark Schwarzer with a shot into the bottom corner.

There was also a suspicion of offside when Nani set up United's second, racing on to Patrice Evra's pass to beat the offside trap and evade Schwarzer's desperate rush from his area. The goalkeeper having sold himself too early, it was a simple matter for Nani to weigh up his options, though there was still a pleasing elegance about the way he calmly chipped the ball across goal for Antonio Valencia to nod in from close range.

Or at least it appeared that way at first... replays suggested Nani had been trying to shoot and the ball reached Valencia via Aaron Hughes's attempted goalline clearance.

Fulham hardly bothered to protest either of the borderline decisions, possibly because they were relieved United had not stirred themselves sufficiently to go further ahead.

Even with Wayne Rooney suspended, Ryan Giggs rested and Javier Hernández unused on the bench, the home side had chances. Anderson should have scored when Berbatov whisked past Brede Hangeland and cut the ball back to him, and when Nani, once more, evaded Baird and the rest of the Fulham cover on the left, his final delivery missed the three red shirts waiting on the six-yard line.

Fulham improved when Eidur Gudjohnsen came on in the second half and the substitute came close to scoring with a drive from outside the area that flew only inches wide, while Zoltan Gera missed an even better chance 10 minutes from the end. With Zamora also putting a free-kick narrowly wide, Fulham had enough opportunities to take something from the game as United coasted, though they seemed fearful of increasing the urgency in case it inspired United to step up theirs.

If the title race ended early with last weekend's results, as many suspect may turn out to be the case, then here was an early end-of-season game. It seemed to suit both sides.

"We never looked like getting back on terms after going two down," Fulham's manager, Mark Hughes, admitted. "The first was offside, but it was still a poor goal to concede. We didn't really ask enough questions of United and you always sensed they could up the tempo if they needed to.

"They are ticking off the games now. It's a big ask, but you've got to give them a chance of the Treble. If anyone can manage their resources over the remaining games, this club can. They understand what it takes."

THE FANS' PLAYER RATINGS AND VERDICT
SHAUN O'DONNELL, Observer reader I think we'll get No19 now. We keep winning and the others are running out of games. I thought we'd steamroll them, the way it started – Nani did some brilliant things first half – but after the second goal it turned into a bit of a damp squib. Fulham looked like a team waiting to go on holiday. We've got lots of games coming up, each one like a cup final, so it was good to have a more low-key game today.

The fan's player ratings Kuszczak 6; O'Shea 7, Smalling 7, Vidic 7, Evra 6; Scholes 7; Valencia 8 (Owen 73 6), Gibson 7, Anderson 7 (F da Silva 77 6), Nani 9 (Carrick 87 n/a); Berbatov 8

EDDIE FREMANTLE, Observer reader We created three good chances in the first 10 minutes, but once they scored it was game over. It was an end-of-season performance, including a horrible catalogue of errors for the second goal, and we wanted a bit more than that because they had rested a few. Gudjohnsen was a bright spark when he came on in the second half, but Vidic outclassed Zamora all game and we missed Duff a lot.

The fan's player ratings Schwarzer 5; Baird 6, Hughes 7, Hangeland 5, Salcido 5; Kakuta 4, Etuhu 5 (Gera 68 6), Murphy 7 (Greening 82 n/a), Dempsey 5; Dembélé 5 (Gudjohnsen 57 8), Zamora 6

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Nani inspires United

Portuguese ace sets up Berbatov and Valencia goals at OT


Last updated: 9th April 2011   


Man of the match: Nani. The Portuguese ace provided the assists for both of United's goals.

Goal of the match: Dimitar Berbatov's, although there was a hint of offside. Nani produced a fine run through the Fulham defence, played a one-two with Anderson before laying the ball off for the Bulgarian to slot home.

Attempt of the match: Eidur Gudjohnsen. Tried a long range effort which went just wide of Tomasz Kuszczak's left post, with replays showing the keeper had got a touch on it.

Save of the match: Kuszczak's from Gudjohnsen, although the match officials missed it and gave a goal kick.

Moment of the match: Antonio Valencia's second goal which gave the Cottagers a mountain to climb.

Controversy of the match: Berbatov's opener could well have been flagged for offside but Fulham can have no complaints about the defeat.

Talking point: Can United win a record 19th title? After another solid display - and clean sheet - who can stop them?.

Nani inspired Manchester United to beat Fulham 2-0 and move 10 points clear at the top of the table and a step closer to a record 19th title.

The Portuguese ace made a great run through the Fulham defence to set up Dimitar Berbatov's opener on 12 minutes, although there was a hint of offside.

Nani then went around the advancing Mark Schwarzer before his shot was deflected by Aaron Hughes for Antonio Valencia to nod home just after the half hour mark.

The win sends Sir Alex Ferguson's side 10 points clear of second-placed Arsenal, who have two games in hand.

There was no Grand National glory for Ferguson, whose horse What A Friend failed to land the honours at Aintree.

But in a football sense at least, it must be quite nice being Ferguson at the minute.

Robbed of Wayne Rooney's services for a couple of games thanks, in his eyes, to some unjust treatment from the Football Association, the United boss could just pluck another striker from his impressive roster.

In this instance it was Berbatov, the Premier League's top scorer and a man who bagged five in one game earlier this season.

The Bulgarian had only started one league game since that dismal defeat at Wolves over two months ago, the equally miserable loss at Liverpool. On home soil at least though, the striker is a man to be trusted.

Early on, it did look like he was cursing when Nani ran into a crowd of Fulham defenders on the edge of the area instead of playing a simple pass to the flanks.

Mockery

But, making a mockery of his absence from the seven-man shortlist for PFA player of the year, Nani squeezed a pass to Anderson, then flicked the return to his left for Berbatov on 12 minutes.

TV replays indicated the striker was just offside. It was very tight though and Berbatov was not hanging around as he slotted his shot beyond Mark Schwarzer.

It was exactly what United were looking for so early in the contest and the points should have been wrapped up when Berbatov skipped past Carlos Salcido and Brede Hangeland by the touchline and burst into the box before rolling a pass back to Anderson.

Goalscoring, though, is not the returning Brazilian's forte. Back after a nine-match absence with a knee injury, Anderson never looked like improving a return of two goals in 121 previous appearances and dribbled a terrible effort wide.

United did get their second though, on 32 minutes when Schwarzer inexplicably raced to the touchline to try and make a clearance he was never going to manage given Nani had the speed to get there first.

The Portugal winger showed his selfish streak by going for goal himself rather than present Valencia with a tap-in.

Hughes did it instead, turning Nani's shot away with his head but merely offering Valencia the chance to nod home from close range as a consequence.

It was Valencia's first goal since the Community Shield and his return to action from a major ankle injury suffered one month later is another reason Ferguson has been rejoicing.

After an enterprising start, Fulham had been overwhelmed.

Retained spirit

They retained enough spirit to bring an outstanding save from Tomasz Kuszczak, though, as substitute Eidur Gudjohnsen curled a shot goalwards from 25 yards.

It was a confusing piece of play all round as, from their angle, the Fulham fans thought it had gone in and referee Mike Jones awarded a goal-kick rather than the corner which would have been due reward for Kuszczak.

The game drifted onwards in such a mundane manner, Ferguson could have used the telephone installed in the directors' box to overcome communication problems during his five-match touchline ban to keep up with events at Liverpool.

He didn't though, limiting himself to a couple of conversations with coach Rene Meulensteen as he made the substitutions required to keep his players fresh for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League return with Chelsea.

Anderson and Berbatov were both denied by Schwarzer, the first after another uncharacteristic mistake from the veteran Australian.

By the end, even John O'Shea was trying his luck, advancing from his right-back role to let fly from the edge of the area.

Paul Scholes had a go as well. They were both out of luck - just as Ferguson had been - but as they approach a week that starts with that Champions League decider with the Blues and ends at Wembley against Manchester City, the overall United picture is rosy indeed as they aim to repeat 1999's Treble.


Manchester United
Team Statistics
Fulham

2 Goals
0

2 1st Half Goals
0

7 Shots on Target
2

6 Shots off Target
7

6 Blocked Shots
3

8 Corners
3

12 Fouls
8

3 Offsides
0

0 Yellow Cards
0

0 Red Cards
0

82.2 Passing Success
85

14 Tackles
18

64.3 Tackles Success
72.2

48 Possession
52

44.7 Territorial Advantage
55.3

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9448841.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/9448841.stm)


Man Utd   2 - 0   Fulham


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Manchester United dominated after Berbatov (right) put his side ahead


By Paul Fletcher 


Manchester United opened up a 10-point lead at the top of the Premier League as they brushed aside Fulham.

The recalled Dimitar Berbatov opened the scoring with a first-time finish after Nani played him in.

Aaron Hughes then cleared a Nani cross into the path of Antonio Valencia, who headed home United's second.

Tomasz Kuszczak made a superb save from Fulham substitute Eidur Gudjohnsen after the break, while Mark Schwarzer stopped a strike from Darron Gibson.

Overall, it was a very comfortable afternoon for United, who dominated the opening half and had all but secured victory by the break.

Sir Alex Ferguson, still serving a touchline ban, watched from the stands but it was not a perfect afternoon for the United manager as What A Friend, his horse in the Grand National, pulled up with two fences left to jump.

There were no such problems at Old Trafford, as Ferguson's team built a healthy lead and never looked like being caught.

United have dropped only two points at home in the league this season and despite eight changes from the team that defeated Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday, they looked dangerous and purposeful against a Fulham side that defeated Blackpool 3-0 last weekend.

Nani was particularly effective on the right for the home side, with the Portugal international catching the eye with his pace and direct running.

However, United's advantage at the top of the table will be reduced to seven points if Arsenal, who have two games in hand, defeat Blackpool on Sunday.

Fulham actually made an extremely bright start to the match, with Kuszczak saving long-range strikes from Gael Kakuta and Moussa Dembele, while Bobby Zamora fired wastefully over after a deflection off Paul Scholes gave him a decent sight of goal.

Nani had a shot deflected wide early in the contest and he was heavily involved in his team's opening goal after 12 minutes.

At the end of a mazy, slaloming run that included an exchange of passes with Anderson, Nani slipped the ball through to Berbatov for the Bulgarian to slot home his 22nd goal of the campaign.

It was a composed first-time finish from Berbatov but there was a definite suspicion of offside when he collected the ball.

United took control after scoring and the remainder of the game had the feel of a testimonial fixture as the home team showcased their extensive repertoire of skills.

Anderson should have finished a sweeping move but dragged his shot horribly wide from 16 yards while Nani could not quite deflect a header from Chris Smalling towards goal.

However, Nani was again heavily involved as United scored their second, rampaging down the right and eluding Schwarzer, who had charged rashly out from his goal, before the winger shot from a tight angle.

Nani's effort was partially cleared by Aaron Hughes but the ball deflected to Valencia, who had the simplest of finishes.

It could so easily have been three before the break but Hughes cut out a square ball across goal with several team-mates queuing up to slot home.
United were not quite as dominant after the interval but, nonetheless, Anderson drew a decent save from Schwarzer after Brede Hangeland squandered possession in his own half.

Fulham threatened through substitute Gudjohnsen, who drew a superb fingertip save from Kuszczak with a curling 25-yard strike that went unnoticed by referee Mike Jones, while Zamora was inches away with a free-kick.

Right-back Chris Baird also had a decent opportunity but he shot over at the far post.

But the majority of traffic continued to head towards the Fulham goal, with Darron Gibson attempting to pick his spot from 18 yards but failing to get sufficient power on his strike, while Scholes shot over from a similar distance.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3518755/Man-United-2-Fulham-0.html

Man United 2 Fulham 0  

Published: 09 Apr 2011

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MARK HUGHES saw Manchester United sweep aside his team - then tipped them for the Treble.

Goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia gave United a 10-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

And Fulham boss reckons his former club could match their clean sweep in 1999, with victory in the Champions League and FA Cup as well.
                     
Hughes said: "They could win everything.

"They are ticking games off and when you get to this stage of the season, they have been here, understand what needs to happen and what it takes.

"It is a big ask. Sir Alex would say himself it is very difficult to do.

"But trust me, it is something they will try and achieve. Good luck to them."

But while Hughes was full of praise for United, Old Trafford chief Alex Ferguson blasted his men for taking their foot off the gas after charging into a two-goal lead inside 32 minutes.

He said: "It was a result but I wouldn't say it was a job well done at all.

"We were a bit casual and lackadaisical.

"In the first half we played some very good football and could have scored a couple more.

"But we became wasteful with our possession in the second and might have suffered for that."

Chelsea loan star Gael Kakuta was handed a first start by Fulham boss Hughes.

And he was soon testing Tomasz Kuszczak with a shot from the edge of the area as the visitors made a bright start.

Nani limped away from a challenge with Danny Murphy but the Portugal winger soon recovered and his powerful shot was deflected over by Chris Baird.

United had a penalty appeal turned down by referee Michael Jones when Nemanja Vidic's first-time effort struck Dickson Etuhu on the arm.

Moussa Dembele brought another fingertip save out of Kuszczak at the other end, then Bobby Zamora fired an excellent chance wide after a loose pass from Paul Scholes.

But United hit back in typical fashion with a controversial goal from Berbatov.

Nani eventually jinked his way through a crowd of Fulham players before playing a one-two with Anderson. He flicked a pass to Berbatov, who finished powerfully from what looked an offside position.

United should have doubled their lead when Berbatov skipped past Carlos Salcido and Brede Hangeland and pulled an inviting cross back to Anderson, whose terrible effort dribbled well wide.

Clint Dempsey's radar was off as he attempted an effort from distance before Valencia's shot was deflected wide by Hangeland, with Nani unable to hook home from the corner.




The hosts soon had a second, though, as Nani beat the Fulham offside trap and skipped past Mark Schwarzer who had raced into no-man's land.

Aaron Hughes did enough to stop Nani's effort but Valencia was on hand to nod home the loose ball - his first goal since the Community Shield in August.

Hughes was needed again just before the interval as he intercepted Valencia's cross that Berbatov was preparing to tap in.

Schwarzer was having a nightmare and he rolled out a pass straight to Valencia, who found Anderson only for the Aussie keeper to redeem himself with the save.

Darron Gibson thundered a shot high and wide, Berbatov's volley missed the target before Dempsey's effort was blocked by Vidic.

Eidur Gudjohnsen brought a brilliant save out of Kuszczak with a curling effort from 25 yards.

The Pole - who is expected to be leaving Old Trafford this summer - did not get any credit though as ref Jones awarded a goal-kick.

Kakuta lined up a 30-yard free-kick rather hopefully. And his effort only brought groans from the visiting contingent and laughter from the hosts as it nearly ended in the second tier of the stand.

Schwarzer smothered a Gibson strike at the second attempt after the Irishman had been set up by Nani.

Berbatov's low drive brought another save out of Schwarzer as United coasted to victory.

Man Utd: Kuszczak, O'Shea, Smalling, Vidic, Evra, Gibson, Scholes, Anderson (Fabio Da Silva 76), Valencia (Owen 73), Berbatov, Nani (Carrick 87). Subs not used: Van der Sar, Brown, Park, Hernandez. Goals: Berbatov 12, Valencia 32.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido, Kakuta, Murphy (Greening 82), Etuhu (Gera 67), Dempsey, Dembele (Gudjohnsen 55), Zamora. Subs not used: Stockdale, Kelly, Sidwell, Halliche.

Att: 75,339

Ref: Mike Jones (Cheshire).

Man United 2-0 Fulham: Sunday Mirror match report


Published 22:30 09/04/11


By Simon Mullock


Maybe Sir Alex Ferguson should get Paul Scholes to ride for him in the Grand National next year.

Or perhaps he could ask Michael Owen to earn himself a new contract by swapping the substitutes' bench for the saddle.

The going might have got too tough for Ferguson's horse What A Friend at Aintree yesterday, but the serial winners wearing the red colours of Manchester United are not feeling the pace.

Eight changes to the team; another three points at Old Trafford. It was a routine day at the office for a United side who have claimed 46 points from a possible 48 on home soil this ­season.

First-half goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia took them 10 points clear at the top of the table.

Even Ferguson looked like his mind was elsewhere as he said: "We were a bit ­careless, we looked lackadaisical at times.

"In the second half especially we became wasteful in possession and could have ­suffered for it on another day. The crowd were quiet and it was like a few people out there were sunbathing. But at this stage, winning is the name of the game."

Next up is a Champions League return, with Chelsea at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, when United will be defending a 1-0 first-leg victory that makes them big ­favourites to reach the last four.

Then it's down to Wembley for an all-Manchester FA Cup semi-final on ­Saturday. The Treble is on.

Ferguson insisted his focus was ­always going to be on football rather than racing. But once the resistance of Mark Hughes' side was ended in the 12th minute he must have been tempted to make a quick dash to Aintree.

United keeper Tomasz ­Kuszczak — given a rare ­outing to protect Edwin van der Sar — was forced into early saves by Gael Kakuta and ­Moussa Dembele. And Bobby Zamora ­produced the kind of wayward finish that proved why his right foot is normally only used for standing on when given a clear sight of goal.

Then United attacked for the first time and it was Game Over.

There was more than a hint of offside about Berbatov's strike. Nani slalomed ­between Danny Murphy and Dickson Etuhu and in the blink of an eye he swapped passes with Anderson and teased a clever ball towards Berbatov.

The United striker seemed to have strayed fractionally beyond the last man, but didn't even break stride as he threaded a low finish past Mark Schwarzer's left hand.

It was Berbatov's 21st goal of the season — all of them in the league. Yet the top ­division's ­leading scorer only plays these days when Wayne ­Rooney is ­having a day off. Anderson should have doubled United's lead but shot woefully wide from 12 yards after being teed-up by Berbatov.

But in the 32nd minute, United scored again. There was only going to be one ­winner when Patrice Evra's long pass put Nani in a foot race with Schwarzer.

Nani cut inside after the Fulham keeper had committed himself too early and ­although Aaron Hughes managed to deflect the winger's shot off target, he could only divert towards Valencia, who needed to only nod his head to score.

At the start of the second half, Anderson forced Schwarzer into a smart save with a sidefooted effort. But by then the home side were going back down through the gears.

It needed the 56th-minute ­introduction of Eidur Gudjohnsen to conjure up a ­response, the former Chelsea winger going close with a 25-yard drive.

Cottagers boss Hughes said: "United were worthy winners. You can see they are on countdown to win ­everything.

"The way the manager picks the team and then ticks off the games is ­exceptional.

"United's first goal was offside. But their second was a comedy of errors and after that it was very difficult for us."



Read more: http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Man-United-2-0-Fulham-Sunday-Mirror-match-report-Dimitar-Berbatov-and-Antonio-Valencia-take-United-10-points-clear-article721780.html#ixzz1J6wuM2Ng (http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Man-United-2-0-Fulham-Sunday-Mirror-match-report-Dimitar-Berbatov-and-Antonio-Valencia-take-United-10-points-clear-article721780.html#ixzz1J6wuM2Ng)