Sunday Fulham Stuff (26/08/12)...

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Tributes flood in as Duff bows out

SOCCER star Damien Duff has broken the news of his retirement from international football to Giovanni Trapattoni by text message.

Tributes were flowing in last night for Duff, who called time on his Ireland career after 14 years and 100 caps.

But as the 33-year-old followed Shay Given into retirement, it has emerged that captain Robbie Keane and defender John O'Shea will continue to play.

Keane has been named in Trapattoni's squad to play Kazakhstan when the Republic begin their World Cup campaign on September 7.

Given led the tributes to Duff last night by saying that he was "sorry" to hear his decision.

"It was an honour to play with such a great player and pro. Well done Duffer," he added.


Difficult

Irish rugby captain Brian O'Driscoll joked: "Huge congrats to Damien Duff on a brilliant international career. Will miss those mazy runs and those excessively long cycling shorts."

Winger Duff said that it was a "very difficult" decision to make. "I have enjoyed so many good times in the green jersey and want to thank everyone involved, especially the fans for making the last 14 years so special.

"I want to wish Giovanni, Marco and everyone involved with the Irish team every success for the future and will be supporting them every step of the way," he said.

Duff was given the honour of captaining Ireland in their last Euro 2012 group game against Italy.

Giovanni Trapattoni said: "Damien will be missed by us and by Irish fans everywhere.

"He was immensely skilful and a great example to the players who come after him."

Trapattoni explained that after the European Championships he offered time off to Duff so that he could consider his future.

However last week he received a text message saying: "Giovanni, I'm sorry but I wish to inform you about leaving the national team."

FAI chief executive John Delaney said: "I have no doubt that Damien Duff will go down in history as one of Ireland's greatest ever players.

"He has been an extraordinary servant to his country and has given us all some wonderful memories as well as being a true gentleman.

"Thank you Damien and all the best for the future."

- Kevin Doyle


http://www.herald.ie/news/tributes-flood-in-as-duff-bows-out-3209917.html?

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Manchester United hold off Fulham fightback
Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa both score to give Manchester United first win of the season

Debut goals from Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa helped Manchester United come from behind to beat Fulham.

Sir Alex Ferguson sprung a surprise in the starting lineup, dropping Wayne Rooney to the bench and handing Robin van Persie his first start since the Dutchman joined the Old Trafford side.

But the west Londoners started brightly and went ahead through Damien Duff inside 6 minutes but Robin van Persie equalised just four minutes later.

Two more goals in the first half from summer signing Shinji Kagawa and Rafael Da Silva put Manchester United in the driving seat at half time.

But Sir Alex Ferguson will not be happy with the way his side started, as Fulham looked dangerous every time they advanced into the Manchester United half. Once again, injuries at the heart of the United defence meant Michael Carrick had to deputise alongside Nemanja Vidic, and United looked shaky.

But going forward Ferguson's side looked much more fluent, with former-Dortmund star Shinji Kagawa justifying the hype and the Japanese midfielder was pulling the strings.

United went into the half time break 3-1 ahead, but Fulham hadn't read the script. The Cottagers were full of industry, and went close on a number of occasions in the second period before a David De Gea mistake handed them a route back into the match.

The Spanish keeper came out to punch away a cross but wasn't strong enough, with the ball bouncing into the United net off Vidic to make it 3-2.

Fulham star Moussa Demebele looked sharp for the visitors, who threatened to spoil the party and nick a point, but United remained firm in the last 10 minutes. Wayne Rooney did come on in the second half, but it was bad news for the England man, who was stretchered off in injury time with a deep gash to his knee.

Still, Manchester United managed to hold on for the victory, the first of their Premier League season.



http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/manchester-united-hold-off-fulham-fightback?

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Manchester United 3 Fulham 2: match report
Read a full match report of the Premier League game between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on Saturday Aug 25, 2012.

First the manager's axe and then a trip to hospital. A bad day could not have ended much worse for Wayne Rooney.

Dropped to the bench by Sir Alex Ferguson following his insipid performance against Everton on Monday, overshadowed by the majestic home debuts of Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa and then badly injured in the dying seconds of his half-hour substitute appearance.

The only consolation for the Manchester United forward was that he at least collected his win bonus at the end of this edgy 3-2 victory against Fulham.

By the time the final whistle blew, however, Rooney was back in the United dressing room having stitches inserted into a deep, six-inch, wound on his right thigh. He had to be carried off on a stretcher following a freak clash with Fulham forward Hugo Rodallega. After blocking Rodallega's stoppage time free-kick, Rooney's thigh was sliced open by the Colombian's boot as he planted his foot following his shot. Rooney instantly signalled his agony to referee Kevin Friend before collapsing to the ground.

Such was United's concern, the 26 year-old was taken to hospital to repair the damage that will keep on the sidelines for a month, ruling him out of England's World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine and the start of the Champions League group stages.

With Rooney struggling to find his fitness following a delayed return to pre-season training in the wake of Euro 2012 — an issue central to Ferguson's decision to drop him to the bench against Fulham — his potential month-long absence will do little to accelerate his return to top form.

But while United would, in the past, have been damaged by the loss of their star forward for a prolonged period of time, the early performances of Van Persie and Kagawa suggest that there will be little need to rush Rooney back on this occasion.

Against Fulham, the pair were unplayable at times, both justifying the combined £39 million it required to lure them to Old Trafford. Damien Duff's third-minute opener for Fulham, when he escaped Ashley Young before converting Bryan Ruiz's cross from six yards, merely delayed the pyrotechnics from United's most eye-catching summer signings.

United were level within seven minutes when Van Persie marked his home debut with a stunning first goal for his new club. The Dutch forward had already linked brilliantly with Kagawa and Antonio Valencia, before beating goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer with a powerful left-foot strike. His goal came from Patrice Evra's cross, when Van Persie escaped defender Brede Hangeland before aiming a half-volley into the net from 12 yards.

"It was a fantastic strike," Ferguson said. "It showed just what a quality finisher he is." Buoyed by the opener, United took control of the game, with Kagawa tearing Fulham apart with his vision and cutting passes.

And the Japanese midfielder was rewarded for his industry on 35 minutes when he put United ahead from six yards.

Fulham had failed to clear Van Persie's corner and, after Schwarzer had parried Tom Cleverley's 20-yard strike, Kagawa was on hand to score from the rebound. United's dominance without Rooney was emphasised on 41 minutes when full-back Rafael made it 3-1, moments after having a goal ruled out due to offside, with an impressive far-post header from Young's cross.

Rafael was a threat to Fulham all day long down the right flank, but just like his fellow United defenders, he had a day to forget.

Hamstrung by the injury-enforced absences of Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling – Jonny Evans was fit only to take a place on the bench – United invited Fulham forward in the second half, putting goalkeeper David de Gea under pressure. Moussa Dembélé tested De Gea twice from distance, with Ruiz and Mladen Petric also forcing the Spanish goalkeeper into important saves.

But De Gea's weakness in dealing with aerial balls reared its head again on 64 minutes when Fulham equalised following a Nemanja Vidic own goal.

Matthew Briggs's cross should have been routine for De Gea, but he collided with Vidic and Petric before the ball bounced in off the United defender's heel.

It was poor goalkeeping and it could have been worse had Fulham capitalised from any of their late chances. Rooney's block from Rodallega highlighted how United were forced to put their bodies on the line to claim the victory, but it came at a high cost for the substitute.

Games Wayne will miss
Premier League: Southampton (a) Sept 2, Wigan (h) Sept 15, Liverpool (a) Sept 23.
World Cup qualifiers: Moldova (a) Sept 7, Ukraine (h) Sept 11.
Champions League: First group game Sept 18/19.



http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/9496968/Manchester-United-3-Fulham-2-match-report.html

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Robin van Persie strikes for Manchester United in Fulham test

Wayne Rooney began this game on the bench and ended it on a stretcher. Considerations of how much Manchester United had actually been improved by his arrival for the last 20 minutes – both he and Robin van Persie were largely anonymous during the time they shared on the pitch – were suspended when the England striker suffered a badly gashed knee in stoppage time after colliding with Hugo Rodallega's studs.

That means Sir Alex Ferguson will have to continue to work through his attacking options, but the point since the arrival of Van Persie and Shinji Kagawa – both of whom scored – is that United now have attacking options. Not too long ago they were being derided for over-reliance on Rooney. As Fulham discovered to their cost they can now dispense with him and still play like the old United, not only creating a succession of chances but accepting enough of them to make their superiority count.

Van Persie will probably score more goals and command more headlines, yet Kagawa is the sort of clever technician, both industrious and precise, that Ferguson has been seeking for a while. When he made way for Rooney he did so to applause.

For all that, United started in a trance. The danger with having Usain Bolt and his gold medals on the pitch before the kick-off is that your own efforts are bound to look pedestrian in comparison, and United were certainly slow out of the blocks in allowing Fulham to take the lead three minutes into the game. No one picked up Damien Duff as Bryan Ruiz rolled a low free-kick across the goalmouth, and though the Irishman almost overran the ball he still managed to dig out a shot that surprised David de Gea.

Bolt was still taking his seat as the goal went in – no one ever set a personal best in the South Stand – though at least he was in place to get a good view of Van Persie's first goal for his new club. A pretty impressive one it was too, the former Arsenal striker clipping a stunning left-foot half-volley past Mark Schwarzer from Patrice Evra's left wing cross to equalise after 10 minutes. That in turn was followed by Kagawa's first goal for United, a tap-in from two yards after Schwarzer had failed to hold Tom Cleverley's shot following a half-cleared Van Persie corner.

The Fulham players complained with some justification that Kagawa had scored from an offside position, having failed to move up as promptly as the defenders, though the linesman was in an ideal position following the corner and kept his flag down.

He raised it, quite correctly, two minutes later to deny Rafael da Silva a goal after Kagawa had struck a post, though United's busy right-back was not to be kept quiet for long.

Four minutes before the interval he climbed powerfully at the far post to beat Mladen Petric to the ball and force a header past Schwarzer from Ashley Young's inviting cross.

They were winners by five goals last week but it looked like it was Fulham's turn to take a hiding, though they were not about to take it lying down. Duff brought a save from De Gea just before the break, and when Petric attempted to drive home the rebound the goalkeeper reacted well again to divert the shot on to the bar and out to safety.

De Gea's confidence is a fragile thing, however, and, though Nemanja Vidic was credited with the own goal that brought Fulham back into the game just after the hour, fault clearly lay with the goalkeeper for coming for the ball and failing to claim it, punch it or deal in any way with it. At best it was a mix-up between the two players, yet with only Petric to worry about between them the goalkeeper should never have let Matthew Briggs's cross even reach his fellow defender.

While Rooney and Danny Welbeck were enthusiastically received by the home crowd their arrival coincided with a creative lull, possibly a result of Kagawa's departure, until Rafael brought the game to life again with a rasping drive that Schwarzer had to stretch to tip over.

Remarkably the game was quite finely poised at this point and Fulham realised a draw was now possible and gave the United defence one or two scares, notably at the death when De Gea punched Ruiz's header off the line. In the end United had to rely on their first-half efforts to see them through, which was a slight worry before Rooney became a major one.

"The intensity we showed in the first half was terrific," Ferguson said. "But once again we saw the two sides of Manchester United.

"In the first half we were on cruise control, we should have been four or five goals up and out of sight, but then we concede a stupid goal with a terrible mistake and suddenly we are hanging on. I was quite pleased with some of the football we produced, though, and Robin van Persie's goal was fantastic. Considering it was his first full game for the club he is bound to improve as he develops a better understanding with the other players."



http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/aug/25/manchester-united-fulham-premier-league?

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Report: Man Utd 3-2 Fulham

Manchester United 3 Fulham 2

Sir Alex Ferguson's brave decision to drop Wayne Rooney from his starting line-up paid off as new boys Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa scored in Manchester United's come-from-behind victory over Fulham.

Rooney paid the price for a below-par performance in the defeat at Everton on Monday.

And whilst it is viewed as a reminder from Ferguson that standards have to be higher, the respective performances of Van Persie and Kagawa were such that Rooney cannot be guaranteed a recall at Southampton next week.

Not that he is certain to be fit anyhow, after sustaining a nasty gash in stoppage time after being trodden on by Hugo Rodallega - an incident which left United to play out the game with 10 men.

Before then a week of frenzied transfer activity is due, with Rooney's name doubtless being mentioned, in addition to Nani, who did not even merit a place on the bench.

Ferguson is more concerned about points, which were collected as the first-half response of Van Persie, Kagawa and Rafael to Damien Duff's second-minute effort proved enough despite a Nemanja Vidic own goal.

Rumours swept Old Trafford that Rooney had been axed long before official confirmation was received an hour before kick-off.

It is not the first time the England striker has suffered such a fate.

On New Year's Eve last season, Ferguson omitted the 26-year-old for disciplinary reasons against Blackburn - a decision that proved very costly as the Red Devils suffered a home defeat against a team that went on to get relegated.

Yet there was never any suggestion Rooney would be left out for the long term.

However, as he made his way to the home dressing room after witnessing a powerful first-half display from the hosts, in which Ferguson's two big summer signings both opened their United accounts, Rooney must have had a worry or two.

For in addition to their goals, Van Persie and Kagawa in particular caught the eye with how easily they fitted into the system.

Kagawa excelled in the hole behind the main striker.

His movement, speed and passing kept Fulham on the back foot.

And this, shrewd judges from Japan insist, is his best position.

So to where in that, would Rooney fit?

It gave a different view to Ferguson's programme notes, in which he said that anyone who had "fallen out of love" with the club he would "invariably help them on their way out".

That is not to say such a fate awaits Rooney.

However, it is worth noting Jaap Stam featured in United's first game of the 2001-02 season, against Fulham of all teams, and was promptly shown the door.

Not that Ferguson's brave move had a particularly impressive start as Bryan Ruiz rolled a free-kick into Duff's path which the Irishman turned home before guest of honour Usain Bolt had even taken his seat.

Coming so soon after that loss at Everton, it was a major test of character for United which they came through with flying colours.

Van Persie levelled with the clinical efficiency you would expect of a Golden Boot winner.

Meeting Patrice Evra's left-wing cross perfectly, the Dutchman flashed a shot wide of Mark Schwarzer before turning to receive the acclaim of his team-mates.

From that point on it was a case of when, rather than if, the hosts would gain the initiative.

As Kagawa prompted and cajoled, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia both went close.

But when Van Persie's corner was half-cleared to Tom Cleverley, Schwarzer could only turn the midfielder's shot into the path of Kagawa, who - profiting from Sascha Riether's failure to get out of the six-yard box quickly - swept home from close range.

Restored to the starting line-up following his Olympic campaign with Brazil, Rafael provided additional defensive security.

He also had a goal correctly ruled out for offside before nodding home Young's chip to the far post just before the break.

Yet, for all United's attacking endeavours, there remain serious flaws at the back amid a massive injury list.

Once again pressed into service as an emergency centre-half, Michael Carrick came far too close to turning the ball into his own net for comfort.

And when United conceded a second, it was almost laughable as David de Gea came to punch Matthew Briggs' cross, got nowhere near it and the ball eventually bounced off Vidic and rolled in.

De Gea redeemed himself with two brilliant saves to deny the excellent Mousa Dembele as Rooney was introduced for Kagawa.

And then, on Fulham's last attack, De Gea denied Ruiz, who had been set up by Dembele.



http://www.itv.com/sport/football/article/2012-08-25/report-man-utd-3-2-fulham/?

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Van Persie scores first goal

Sir Alex Ferguson's brave decision to drop Wayne Rooney from his starting line-up paid off as new boys Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa scored in Manchester United's come-from-behind victory over Fulham.

Rooney paid the price for a below-par performance in the defeat at Everton on Monday.

And whilst it is viewed as a reminder from Ferguson that standards have to be higher, the respective performances of Van Persie and Kagawa were such that Rooney cannot be guaranteed a recall at Southampton next week.

Not that he is certain to be fit anyhow, after sustaining a nasty gash in stoppage time after being trodden on by Hugo Rodallega - an incident which left United to play out the game with 10 men.

Before then a week of frenzied transfer activity is due, with Rooney's name doubtless being mentioned, in addition to Nani, who did not even merit a place on the bench.

Ferguson is more concerned about points, which were collected as the first-half response of Van Persie, Kagawa and Rafael to Damien Duff's second-minute effort proved enough despite a Nemanja Vidic own goal.

Rumours swept Old Trafford that Rooney had been axed long before official confirmation was received an hour before kick-off.

It is not the first time the England striker has suffered such a fate.

On New Year's Eve last season, Ferguson omitted the 26-year-old for disciplinary reasons against Blackburn - a decision that proved very costly as the Red Devils suffered a home defeat against a team that went on to get relegated.

Yet there was never any suggestion Rooney would be left out for the long term.

However, as he made his way to the home dressing room after witnessing a powerful first-half display from the hosts, in which Ferguson's two big summer signings both opened their United accounts, Rooney must have had a worry or two.

For in addition to their goals, Van Persie and Kagawa in particular caught the eye with how easily they fitted into the system.

Kagawa excelled in the hole behind the main striker.

His movement, speed and passing kept Fulham on the back foot.

And this, shrewd judges from Japan insist, is his best position.

So to where in that, would Rooney fit?

It gave a different view to Ferguson's programme notes, in which he said that anyone who had "fallen out of love'' with the club he would "invariably help them on their way out''.

That is not to say such a fate awaits Rooney.

However, it is worth noting Jaap Stam featured in United's first game of the 2001-02 season, against Fulham of all teams, and was promptly shown the door.

Not that Ferguson's brave move had a particularly impressive start as Bryan Ruiz rolled a free-kick into Duff's path which the Irishman turned home before guest of honour Usain Bolt had even taken his seat.

Coming so soon after that loss at Everton, it was a major test of character for United which they came through with flying colours.

Van Persie levelled with the clinical efficiency you would expect of a Golden Boot winner.

Meeting Patrice Evra's left-wing cross perfectly, the Dutchman flashed a shot wide of Mark Schwarzer before turning to receive the acclaim of his team-mates.

From that point on it was a case of when, rather than if, the hosts would gain the initiative.

As Kagawa prompted and cajoled, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia both went close.

But when Van Persie's corner was half-cleared to Tom Cleverley, Schwarzer could only turn the midfielder's shot into the path of Kagawa, who - profiting from Sascha Riether's failure to get out of the six-yard box quickly - swept home from close range.

Restored to the starting line-up following his Olympic campaign with Brazil, Rafael provided additional defensive security.

He also had a goal correctly ruled out for offside before nodding home Young's chip to the far post just before the break.

Yet, for all United's attacking endeavours, there remain serious flaws at the back amid a massive injury list.

Once again pressed into service as an emergency centre-half, Michael Carrick came far too close to turning the ball into his own net for comfort.

And when United conceded a second, it was almost laughable as David de Gea came to punch Matthew Briggs' cross, got nowhere near it and the ball eventually bounced off Vidic and rolled in.

De Gea redeemed himself with two brilliant saves to deny the excellent Mousa Dembele as Rooney was introduced for Kagawa.

And then, on Fulham's last attack, De Gea denied Ruiz, who had been set up by Dembele.



http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/345819?&cc=5739

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Manchester United 3-2 Fulham: Van Persie & Kagawa score as hosts secure first win of season
The Netherlands international struck a sensational goal on his full debut as the Red Devils came from behind to secure victory, but saw Wayne Rooney stretchered off late on

Manchester United sealed their first Premier League points of the season with a 3-2 victory over Fulham, but were made to work hard by Martin Jol's men.

Damien Duff gave the visitors a shock lead from a clever set-piece with just minutes on the clock, but Robin van Persie's brilliant equaliser got United back on terms only moments later. The hosts then appeared to be cruising after Shinji Kagawa and Rafael increased their lead but an own goal from Nemanja Vidic following confusion in the goalmouth provided a nervy ending.

Sir Alex Ferguson supplied an early shock in making Wayne Rooney the most high-profile casualty from Monday's loss to Everton, with Van Persie making his full debut as the forward's replacement. Meanwhile, Nani missed out on a place in the squad entirely as Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia took their place on the flanks, with Rafael occupying the right-back role previously filled by the Ecuadorian.

Visiting boss Martin Jol made just one change following his side's 5-0 win on the opening day, with 21-year-old Matthew Briggs coming in for the injured John Arne Riise at left-back. American forward Clint Dempsey, who is still strongly linked with a move to Liverpool, was left out of the squad yet again.

United will doubtless have spoken of the importance of getting a good start as they looked to bounce back from defeat to the Toffees, but what followed certainly will not have been part of that script.

Some clever work from Mladen Petric on the left-hand side tempted the returning Rafael into a needless foul just outside the box with just minutes on the clock. Bryan Ruiz stepped up to take the free-kick and his clever, low delivery caught the hosts' backline napping and allowed Duff to capitalise as he side-footed into the bottom corner.

The Old Trafford crowd was unsurprisingly stunned into silence, but the Red Devils rarely dwell on such matters. Kagawa was the architect as United carved out a chance in immediate reply but, unfortunately for the Manchester side, the No.7's cross was beyond the arriving strikers.

The hosts continued to push up against a Fulham team which dropped continually deeper seemingly in the belief that they had scored too early, and thus it was no surprise to see United get back on terms by just the 12th minute.  A patient build-up from Ferguson's men allowed Evra into space on the left and, though the full-back's poor cross was not particularly begging to be put in, debutant Van Persie did just that.

Quite how the Dutchman flicked the high, bouncing ball into the far corner on the half volley with such precision may well have been beyond the home fans – and Mark Schwarzer in the Fulham goal – but it is not something which seemed to overly concern them as they welcomed their latest acquisition with a rapturous celebration.

That strike settled the hosts into their usual rhythm of relentlessly attacking at Old Trafford, but the chances were not as forthcoming as Fulham began to tighten up and grow into the game. However, it was the Cottagers' wastefulness in going forward which led to United's next big chance in the 25th minute.

Briggs' burst forward from left-back ended in a poor pass inside and United's subsequent counterattack, heavily orchestrated by Kagawa, allowed Young to sneak in behind Fulham's defence only to shoot hopelessly over the bar from close range.

Though Sir Alex Ferguson will have been pleased with the comfortable nature of the game with half-time approaching, the determination of Fulham's backline might have provided a concern until it was broken in fortunate circumstances. The visitors may have thought they had done enough to clear a corner from the right-hand side which was nodded away to the edge of the box, but Cleverley's thunderous drive proved too hot to handle for Mark Schwarzer and provided Kagawa with the easiest  of tap-ins on his home debut.

Though they had been handed a slice of luck with the goal, the manner in which they capitalised on it underlined the ruthless mentality of so many Ferguson sides. A fine passing move released Young on the left again and the former Aston Villa man dinked intelligently to the far post for the approaching Rafael to nod home and put his side 3-1 up.

The second half got underway on a more even keel with the Cottagers appearing to have been subjected to their own version of 'the hairdryer' at half-time, but United were equal to their visitors' attempts to get further up the pitch in a quiet first 15 minutes of the second period.

The decreasing tempo appeared to suit the London outfit, and their increasing grip on the game was underlined as they grabbed an unlikely goal with 65 minutes on the clock. A hopeful ball into the box from the left-hand side tempted De Gea into a needless attempt at a punch, and the Spaniard found himself sandwiched between Vidic and Petric with the ball coming off the former's heel and bouncing into the goal.

Fulham were clearly buoyed by the goal and almost got themselves back on terms after a run from Dembele saw the Belgian find space in the box to force De Gea into an excellent reaction save. But that mini-revival appeared short-lived, with the introduction of Rooney and Welbeck from the bench in place of Young and Kagawa giving the hosts further impetus.

However, despite the arrival of such illustrious attacking talents, the Red Devils failed to add to their tally and even nearly surrendered two of their points in the dying seconds as De Gea was forced into a reaction save to keep out a drive from the edge of the box.

It was not all good news for the Red Devils however, as with minutes remaining on the clock Rooney was caught late by Rodallega, with the England international stretchered off with a deep gash and possibly facing a spell on the sidelines.



http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/80821/manchester-united-vs-fulham/report

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Report: United 3 Fulham 2

Manchester United's season is off and running, after the Reds came from behind to beat Fulham through goals from Robin van Persie, Shinji Kagawa and Rafael.

Damien Duff had fired the Cottagers into a third-minute lead, only for van Persie to quickly sweep home a magnificent leveller. Close-range finishes from Kagawa and Rafael had the Reds in command by the break, though an unfortunate second-half own-goal from Nemanja Vidic to ensure a nervy end to the afternoon for the hosts, who also lost Wayne Rooney to a badly gashed leg.

Sir Alex Ferguson made four changes to the side edged out in Monday's defeat at Everton, with Rooney, Paul Scholes and Danny Welbeck dropping to the bench while Nani missed the squad entirely. In their stead, van Persie, Anderson, Rafael and Ashley Young started.

While blessed with myriad attacking options, the Reds' ranks were still short on defensive numbers. Though Jonny Evans was fit enough to take his place on the bench, Michael Carrick again continued in central defence alongside Nemanja Vidic, who made his first Old Trafford outing since November 2011.

The skipper's homecoming began in dreadful fashion as Fulham forged ahead after little more than two minutes. Rafael slipped while in possession, allowing Mladen Petric to draw Carrick into a foul on the edge of the Reds' area, close to the byline. Rather than shoot or fire a cross into the cluster of bodies, Bryan Ruiz craftily rolled a square ball to Damien Duff, who shrugged off Young's attentions to slot a simple finish past David De Gea.

United's response was positive. Antonio Valencia, restored to his regular role as a winger after Rafael's reinstatement, fired a cross behind Van Persie and Kagawa after impressive approach play, before the Reds drew level in sensational fashion in the tenth minute.

Inevitably, it came from the left boot of van Persie. The lively Patrice Evra whipped in a cross from the left which skipped up awkwardly off the rain-sodden turf, yet the summer's marquee signing made a mockery of such inconveniences, peeling away from Brede Hangeland before sweeping a majestic finish high into Mark Schwarzer's goal.

Old Trafford, inevitably, erupted in recognition of the new figure on centre stage. The roar was also tinged with relief that the visitors had been so swiftly pegged back. Fulham, to their credit, appeared unaffected by the Dutchman's strike and continued to push forward with intent whenever the situation arose.

It took quick thinking and fancy footwork from De Gea to niftily manoeuvre away from Petric, moments before Valencia arrowed a shot past Schwarzer's top corner. Ten minutes before the interval, United moved into the lead for the first time with another goal from a home debutant.

Van Persie's right wing corner was only cleared as far as Tom Cleverley, whose thunderous low shot was parried out by Schwarzer to the lurking Kagawa, who turned in a simple finish. The visitors irately appealed for an offside decision, yet the Japanese international was played onside by Sascha Riether, who was slow to leave his position guarding the far post.

The flag that Fulham were waiting for arrived two minutes later to spare them another concession. Rafael's alertness fed Kagawa, whose shot struck the base of Schwarzer's post. Though Young's follow-up was spilled and turned in by Rafael, the Brazilian was correctly called offside.

United's new number two soon had the ball in the net again, however, and this time there was no reprieve for the Cottagers. Another spell of pressure from the Reds culminated in Young stabbing a left-footed cross to the back post, where Rafael had peeled away from Petric to head the ball inside Schwarzer's near post.

In keeping with a pulsating game, Fulham still had time to fashion another opening before the break. Indeed, they mustered four efforts in five frantic seconds as Evra bravely blocked Petric's acrobatic effort, De Gea padded away Duff's follow-up and then brilliantly deflected Petric's shot against the underside of the bar with his legs, before Ruiz blazed the ball high into the Stretford End.

After making such a nightmarish start to the first half, United began the second period in more alert fashion. Valencia's cross almost provided van Persie with a tap-in and Young appealed for a penalty after tangling with Riether, then brought a fine block from Aaron Hughes after latching onto van Persie's through-ball.

The Dutchman curled in a fabulous in-swinging cross which Rafael headed over the bar, before Fulham reduced the arrears in bizarre circumstances. Matthew Briggs clipped in a high cross from the left which De Gea, Vidic and Petric all went for, with the Fulham striker seemingly nudging the United stopper as the ball hit Vidic's heel and trickled over the line.

As nerves began to grip the home support, Rooney and Welbeck were sent on to replace Kagawa and Young, but Fulham almost pulled level immediately. De Gea first tipped Moussa Dembele's swerving drive over the bar, then from the ensuing corner produced a brilliant reaction stop from the same player.

Schwarzer emulated those heroics by flicking over Rafael's fizzing 20-yard effort as the Reds sought to safeguard victory. Sir Alex freshened up his central midfield with the introduction of Ryan Giggs for the final ten minutes, with Anderson making way. Another substitute, Hugo Rodallega, then forced a fine sliding block from Carrick after a neat through-ball from Ruiz.

Rooney fired narrowly past the top corner after latching onto Cleverley's intelligent through-ball, but the afternoon ended on a sour note for Rooney when Rodallega accidentally raked his studs down the England striker's inner thigh, leading to a lengthy stoppage with the game already in injury-time.

A dismaying end to the game might have plunged even further for United, who required another De Gea save - this time to fend away Ruiz's header - to preserve a hard-fought, bewildering win. Nevertheless, the Reds are off and running for the new season.




http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2012/Aug/manchester-united-3-fulham-2.aspx?

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RVP scores in nervy United win
Dembele-inspired Fulham come close to pulling off an upset

Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa scored their first goals for Manchester United in a nervy 3-2 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford.

Summer signings Van Persie and Kagawa were on target in the first half after United recovered from conceding an early goal, only to then be left hanging on in the closing stages as Moussa Dembele inspired Fulham's comeback.

Fulham silenced Old Trafford after just three minutes when Damien Duff turned home a well-worked free-kick after Michael Carrick's defensive frailties had been exposed.

But United were level by the 10th minute when Van Persie marked his first start since his move from Arsenal by sweeping home Patrice Evra's cross in stunning fashion.

The Red Devils started to pick up the tempo and went ahead on 35 minutes when another new signing Kagawa scored his first goal for the club after Tom Cleverley's shot had been spilled by Mark Schwarzer.

United took further control of the game before half-time when Rafael's impressive showing going forward was rewarded with a goal as the Brazilian full-back headed home Ashley Young's precise cross.

In between those two goals, Rafael had seen a close-range finish ruled out for offside, while Fulham came close to pulling a goal back before the break when Mladen Petric struck the crossbar after Duff's shot had been pushed out by David de Gea.

The Cottagers were gifted a route back into the game on 64 minutes when De Gea came nowhere near to punching a cross and the ball was diverted into his own net by captain Nemanja Vidic's heel.

Wayne Rooney, who had started on the bench, was stretchered off late on after suffering a gaping cut to his leg and De Gea then produced a reaction save from Bryan Ruiz in the dying moments to ensure United recorded a first win of the season.

Ferguson's brave move to drop Rooney to the bench did not have a particularly impressive start as Ruiz rolled a free-kick into Duff's path which the Irishman turned home before guest of honour Usain Bolt had even taken his seat.

Coming so soon after the first-game loss at Everton, it was a major test of character for United which they came through with flying colours.

Van Persie levelled with the clinical efficiency you would expect of a Golden Boot winner. Meeting Evra's left-wing cross perfectly, the Dutchman flashed a shot wide of Schwarzer before turning to receive the acclaim of his team-mates.

From that point on it was a case of when, rather than if, the hosts would gain the initiative.

Cajoled

As Kagawa prompted and cajoled, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia both went close.

But when Van Persie's corner was half-cleared to Cleverley, Schwarzer could only turn the midfielder's shot into the path of Kagawa, who - profiting from Sascha Riether's failure to get out of the six-yard box quickly - swept home from close range.

Restored to the starting line-up following his Olympic campaign with Brazil, Rafael provided additional defensive security.

He also had a goal correctly ruled out for offside before nodding home Young's chip to the far post just before the break.

Yet, for all United's attacking endeavours, there remain serious flaws at the back amid a massive injury list.

Once again pressed into service as an emergency centre-half, Carrick came far too close to turning the ball into his own net for comfort.

And when United conceded a second, it was almost laughable as De Gea came to punch Matthew Briggs' cross, got nowhere near it and the ball eventually bounced off Vidic and rolled in.

De Gea redeemed himself with two brilliant saves to deny the excellent Dembele as Rooney was introduced for Kagawa.

And then, on Fulham's last attack, De Gea denied Ruiz, who had been set up by Dembele after Rooney had been stretchered off.



http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/261574/report

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Brave Fulham denied at Manchester United

AT LEAST Fulham got a goal – in fact, they got two.

Having failed in their last five attempts to find the net at Old Trafford – but took just 138 seconds to rectify the drought when Damien Duff was close enough to steal in and score.

Bryan Ruiz played a free-kick short to the Irishman who has announced his retirement from international football, but not from causing havoc to opponents as he tucked his effort into the corner.

Sadly, it only woke the sleeping giants.

The Whites were one of only two teams to deny Robin Van Persie last season – but sadly, not this.

The new star still plays in red, but not the Arsenal variety, and thrashed a fine half-volley that flew over Mark Schwarzer for the equalizer.

The Aussie Fulhamite did well to block Tom Cleverley's shot from a corner on 36 minutes, but could do nothing when second debutant Shinji Kagawa smashed the rebound into the roof of the net.

Rafael da Silva had already come close but was in the right place when he met Ashley Young's cross at the back post to head home.

It was extremely harsh on Fulham who came into the game off the back of a 5-0 caning of Norwich on day one.

And visiting fans were left wondering how their team failed to score for the second time when Mladen Petric's shot was saved by David de Gea who then saw Duff (pic) smash the rebound onto into the crossbar, before Mousa Dembele could only send a third effort over the bar.

However, Whites were gifted a bit of luck back when de Gea and defender Nemanja Vidic watched Bryan Ruiz's centre rather than each other and collided in mid air.

Vidic's flailing foot only diverted the ball into the net to restore west London hope.

Dembele then unleashed and thunderbolt, only for the keeper's fist to deny the midfielder.

From the resulting corner, it was again Dembele who brought the best out of de Gea with a brilliant reaction stop.

Wayne Rooney held up the final whistle when the star striker was stretchered off with what looked a nasty gash to his knee, but for the ninth time in a row Fulham suffered the nightmare of no points from the Theatre of Dreams.



http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2012/08/25/82029-31697753/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Man Utd 3 - 2 Fulham

Fulham produced a brave display at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon but an early Damien Duff strike and Nemanja Vidic's own goal proved in vain as we went down 3-2.

Martin Jol was forced to make one change from the side that beat Norwich City 5-0 a week ago, with Matthew Briggs coming in at left-back after John Arne Riise picked up a knock in training.

The major team change for the home side was the absence of Wayne Rooney. The England striker started the game on the bench, with £24m man Robin van Persie leading the line on his full debut for the club.

Fulham made an absolute dream of a start when we took the lead after just three minutes. Mladen Petric won a free-kick in a wide area just outside the box after being tripped by Rafael and Bryan Ruiz's clever free-kick was tucked home by Duff.

Good play by Van Persie and Shinji Kagawa minutes later set Antonio Valencia free down the right but his cross was expertly cleared by a diligent Fulham backline.

The lead lasted just seven minutes as Van Persie did what he failed to do against us last season. A whipped ball from the left fell to the Dutchman who finished superbly past Mark Schwarzer to draw United level.

The goal galvanised the home side and they enjoyed the lion's share of possession for the following 20 minutes, although United only troubled Schwarzer once when the Aussie stopper comfortably claimed Kagawa's effort from range.

They came close, though, on the half-hour mark when Valencia's bending shot went just over the top of Schwarzer's bar. United were certainly having the better of the play but Fulham were coping admirably.

Just when it looked as though Fulham had weathered the storm, United took the lead on 35 minutes. Tom Cleverley's long shot was parried following Van Persie's corner, leaving Kagawa with the simple task of finishing from close range. There were hints of offside about the goal but replays showed the Japanese midfielder was onside when Cleverley's shot came in.

United thought they'd doubled their advantage moments later when Rafael slotted into an empty net but the assistant referee made the correct decision once again, this time disallowing the goal.

The home side were in full flow now and it needed a great piece of improvisational goalkeeping from Schwarzer to prevent Van Persie from having a shot from 12 yards after a lofted throughball found the striker in space.

On 41 minutes, however, the 19-time champions made it 3-1 when Rafael headed in at the near post from Ashley's Young's lofted cross from the left.

Fulham went excruciatingly close to reducing the deficit minutes later. First, Duff's shot was parried superbly by David De Gea, who then deflected Petric's shot onto the crossbar, before Ruiz was hurried into scooping the rebound over.

The second period started at a gentler tempo than the first half and it was Fulham who had the first chance when Michael Carrick headed onto the roof of his own net after Alexander Kacaniklic had beaten Rafael with delightful trickery before delivering a teasing cross.

Rafael had been getting forward to good effect all game and he almost scored his second just before the hour mark when he headed over from close range.

Jol made his first change of the game on 62 minutes when Kacaniklic was replaced by Steve Sidwell. And just two minutes later Fulham made a real contest of things. Briggs's cross completely bewildered De Gea and the ball found its way into the back of the net via Vidic's heel.

Sir Alex Ferguson, evidently unhappy at losing his two-goal lead, introduced both Rooney and Danny Welbeck on 68 minutes, with Young and Kagawa the men replaced.

The Whites were refusing to lie down, though, and Mousa Dembele came close to a spectacular equaliser when he let rip from 30 yards only for De Gea to be equal to the effort.

The Belgian was running the show now and came close again from the resulting corner when he poked straight at De Gea from close range. Anywhere else and Fulham would have drawn level.

Jol played his next card on 72 minutes when Hugo Rodallega entered the action in place of the tireless Petric.

Schwarzer had to be alert on 78 minutes when Rafael again fancied his chances. This time, the Brazilian tried his luck from range, only for the veteran keeper to tip the ball to safety.

Both sides made their final changes with 10 minutes of the match remaining. Chris Baird came on for Mahamadou Diarra, while Ryan Giggs replaced Anderson for the hosts.

Fulham continued to press and Rodallega's shot was goal-bound until it was crucially deflected away for a corner. Following an injury to Rooney, the Whites came desperately close to a dramatic equaliser when Ruiz connected with Dembele's cross in the seventh minute of injury time. Unfortunately it was too close to De Gea and Fulham were to leave Manchester empty handed, despite a valiant effort.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/match-centre/2012_2013/league/away/manchester-united

[WhiteJC]

 
Man Utd 3-2 Fulham

Ruiz-Duff-goal! A minute in and Fulham had the lead at Old Trafford, a clever free-kick and a neat finish.

Beggars can't be choosers so there's no sense saying that we scored too early, but it did almost feel that way. Now United couldn't just feel their way into the game; they had to fight for it. Back United came, and as expected, they were flooding the wide areas and giving us bother.

Evra crossed, van Persie sent it spiralling beyond Schwarzer and into the far corner, a majestic strike that nevertheless required Fulham to be standing not quite close enough to Evra in the buildup.

Kagawa added another, Schwarzer blocking back a Cleverly shot into the United player's path, and frankly he couldn't miss. Reither was a smidge slow getting off the line, so Kagawa was onside despite appearing conspicuously alone in the six yard box.

Rafael had one wiped off for offside then scored a third, a far post header from a left-wing cross.

It felt like Fulham were in meltdown but a sign of hope came just before half-time, Kacaniklic feeding Petric whose shot was diverted onto the bar by David de Gea. Ruiz stretched for the rebound but could only send it over the bar. He was at full stretch and leaning backwards, so I'm inclined to praise the anticipation rather than bemoan the miss.

The second half was more of the same, although nobody scored until Fulham's second, a Vidic own goal following a big cross from Briggs. Vidic and de Gea went for the ball and made a mess of the situation, although Petric may have been influential in this.

Game on, sort of. Fulham really couldn't get going still, United's defensive positioning and timely pressing thwarting any attempts to find rhythm, and while Dembele's audition for a big move was going well for him, we weren't constructing any team moves of substance. Dembele laid on a late chance for Ruiz with another flying run, but this time de Gea was up to the task and beat the header away. Again, unfortunate.

It's always disappointing to lose football matches but we perhaps couldn't have hoped for much more than this, a narrow defeat away to one of the league's better teams. Still, we looked a little off colour: until Steve Sidwell came on our midfield didn't compete as I'd hoped he would, and Diarra was as ineffectual here as he was dominant against Norwich last week.  There's no point in wishing for Murphy – we lost at Old Trafford when he was in the team, too – but it was disappointing how the midfield – probably our strength now – didn't impose itself.

Reither and Briggs seemed to have okay games at full-back, although we missed Riise's marauding. Poor Briggs must wish for a game against a bad team – he only seems to get the biggies. Reither may have had a secret stinker, with two crosses coming from his flank and the second goal coming when he was late pushing out. It will be interesting to see how Jol evaluates the performance.

None of Duff, Kacaniklic or Ruiz was able to dictate proceedings. True, they all had moments, but our lack of attacking cohesion meant that everything was broken, everything reduced to desperate attempts to conjure something out of nothing. Which is why Dembele shone so brightly, his game being well suited to these small individual duals, but it's no way to win a match like this against a team like this. West Ham next week should be a better opportunity for the players to do their thing though. We must remember we were visiting Old Trafford.




https://cravencottagenewsround.wordpress.com/2012/08/25/man-utd-3-2-fulham/?

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Jol enjoyed second half
Fulham boss happy to see his team play football at Old Trafford

Martin Jol enjoyed Fulham's second-half performance against Manchester United after admitting his team had been 'too modest' in the first period.

Fulham lost 3-2 at Old Trafford, but gave their hosts a scare after applying sustained pressure during the closing stages.

Damien Duff had given the Cottagers an early lead, but goals from Robin van Persie, Shinji Kagawa and Rafael had United in control at half-time.

A calamitous mix-up saw Nemanja Vidic divert the ball into his own net with 25 minutes to go and the impressive Moussa Dembele spearheaded Fulham's push for an equaliser.

Jol was pleased with the response from his players after the interval after being slightly disappointed by the way they failed to build on the opening goal.

Unacceptable

"We're a football team and if we do that we can control games, even away from home against United, and that was why it was unacceptable for us," Jol told Sky Sports.

"Maybe we were too modest, maybe because of the size of the club.

"But in the second half we promised ourselves that we would play the football we can play and that was a lot better, and I have to say I enjoyed the second half."

United had dropped Wayne Rooney to the bench and Jol was surprised that the England international, who was stretchered off late on, did not start alongside Van Persie.
Jol added: "I was surprised. I thought Van Persie and Rooney would play.

"I know Kagawa from my time in Germany and I knew he would not play on the left. I thought it might have been an advantage because my players did not know him.

"He is a quality player. But Rooney is a fantastic player as well."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11681/8018045?

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Jol and Liverpool target Dempsey no longer on speaking terms

Martin Jol and Clint Dempsey are no longer on speaking terms according to the Fulham boss.

The American, a fans' favourite at Craven Cottage after six star-studded seasons in west London, is a target for Liverpool.

However, with the transfer deadline looming and a deal no closer to being struck Jol is keen to reconcile his relationship with Dempsey.

But the forward is as determined as ever to force a move to Anfield rather than return to the Fulham team.

"Nothing has changed," Jol said. "I asked him to come in my office and he doesn't want to talk so it is a very awkward situation.

"The only thing is we kept everything behind the curtains so nobody knew but this situation is as it is for the last five weeks."



Read more at http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/120825/jol-and-liverpool-target-dempsey-no-longer-speaking-terms-17?#o7QEm4WBYrHku57J.99

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A Strong-Minded Team

Fulham produced a never-say-die attitude at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon but couldn't quite find an equaliser after coming back from being 3-1 down at half time.

Martin Jol made just one change from his side that beat Norwich a week ago and Matthew Briggs, who replaced the injured John Arne Riise, admits the Team were devastated to leave Manchester empty handed.

"We're all gutted to come away with nothing considering the chances we had," Briggsy told fulhamfc.com after the game. "We conceded some sloppy goals in the first half but I thought we came back well in the second half.

"We're a strong-minded Team and obviously while we didn't play too well in the first half, we came out much stronger in the second period.

"We've got a lot of quality in our Team and we know we're capable of scoring goals. Maybe there could have been an improvement in our finishing today but you can't fault our attitude."

Matthew played with assurance throughout and the biggest compliment you could pay him was that the lively Antonio Valencia was more subdued than usual.

It was another big test for the England Under-21 left back and Briggsy – who can claim an assist for our second goal – is keen to get as much game time under his belt as possible.

"A couple of days ago John [Arne Riise] took a knock in training so I had a feeling I'd be starting today," he explained. "I just made sure that I was prepared and ready.

"To play 90 minutes at places like this is great for my development and hopefully I'll get a few more games in the future."

The Capital One Cup is next up for the Whites and, though we encounter lower league opposition, Matthew insists we face a tough challenge on Tuesday.

"Obviously we won't take Sheffield Wednesday for granted," he said. "They're a decent side so we'll keep our heads screwed on as we know we'll have to play well to beat them."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/august/25/a-strong-minded-team?

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Jol chides 'shy' Fulham at Man U

FULHAM boss Martin Jol reckoned his team showed Manchester United far too much respect in the close 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman first fancied 'modest' as a way of summing up the Whites performance and then opted for 'shy' as closer to the reason they missed by a whisker a chance to overturn a miserable nine visits without a win.

Damien Duff gave the Whites a lead after 138 seconds following a clever free-kick involving Bryan Ruiz, and then watched United storm back to hit three and take a commanding lead into the break.

However, a howler involving David de Gea and defender defender Nemanja Vidic saw the Serbian to turn the ball into his net and give the 75,000 fans 'a game' as United boss Sir Alex Ferguson put it.

Mousa Dembele came close twice in quick succession, before Wayne Rooney was stretchered off with a bad gash to his knee that will keep the striker out for four weeks.

But Jol (pic) was happier with Fulham's second-half despite getting nothing from the game.

He added: "If you play good football you can control games even against Manchester United – but we were too modest almost. Maybe shy is a better word'.

"In the second half we promised to play the football we can and it was much better for us."



http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/sport/fulham-fc-ealing/2012/08/25/82029-31698564/?

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Jol United Reaction

Fulham Manager Martin Jol praised his side's second-half showing and believes the Whites should have taken more from their trip to Old Trafford.

Damien Duff put Fulham in front early on, but Manchester United replied shortly after following a strike from Robin van Persie. Goals from Shinji Kagawa and Rafael gave the hosts a 3-1 lead going into the break.

However, Jol's charges responded positively, and at times, outplayed Alex Ferguson's men with both Mousa Dembélé and Bryan Ruiz going close after Nemanja Vidic's own goal.

"We said before the game that we had to play our own game, and that's what we did in the second-half," Jol told fulhamfc.com. "We switched things slightly at half-time, moving Bryan Ruiz from a high number 10 to a lower number 10 and that worked better.

"We didn't pick their midfielders up as well as we should in the first-half, and it was more about us than them. In the second-half they didn't really create many chances, and at times we were the better team.

"On two occasions we should have scored an equaliser, so that's how close this game was. The chance Bryan had in the last minute, from Mousa Dembélé's cross was a good one and there were a few like that."

Fulham certainly ran United close, playing the type of flowing football that undone Norwich City so comprehensively last weekend. Unsettling the hosts, the Whites impressed in large spells of the second-half and could well have left Old Trafford with a share of the points.

"Okay, you are never happy after losing a game, but I was pleased by our reaction after the break. We made life difficult for them - it's just a shame we didn't do that earlier in the game.

"When a team goes 3-1 down at Old Trafford, it's almost an impossible task to come back – but we gave it a good go. David De Gea made three or four very good saves, and even at 3-2, I thought we had a chance.

"Everyone knows that this is a difficult ground to play at - I've brought teams here many times and it's always been the way. Last season we were unlucky not to come away with a point, and if I'm honest, today, I go away thinking the same.

"People probably thought they would come out in the second-half and get a few more, but they didn't because we didn't let them play – and that should have been the way from the start.

"This is a game that we can learn from. I don't think we should be too hard on ourselves because there were positives to take. We are building a good team here at Fulham and I remain very optimistic about the season ahead."



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/august/25/jol-united-reaction?

[WhiteJC]

 
Plenty To Build On

Fulham defender Aaron Hughes reiterated the words of his Manager when assessing the Team's 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford – and insists the Whites could have taken more from the encounter.

Despite taking an early lead through Damien Duff's smart strike, Fulham found themselves 3-1 down at half-time following goals from Robin van Persie, Shinji Kagawa and Rafael.

An impressive response from Martin Jol's side followed, and when Nemanja Vidic turned in an own goal, Fulham cantered forward with Mousa Dembélé drawing two fine saves from the hands of David De Gea and Bryan Ruiz going close at the death.

"We were a little bit disappointed with the result today," Hughes told fulhamfc.com. "I thought we played quite well in the second-half, but I suppose the damage was done. We weren't happy with how we conceded the three goals, but we came out after the break and gave it a real go.

"We got a bit fortunate with our second goal, but it gave us the boost we needed and we could well have got another. Gradually we started to see more of the ball, and began to create chances.

"It would have been easy to let our heads drop, but it was important that we didn't. We showed character to that, because at 3-1 it could have got a lot worse as they have a lot of quality and players that can punish you.

"They showed in the first-half just what they are capable of, and Robin van Persie's goal was superb. After the second goal, you could tell that they had a bit of an edge about them. As a result, they went and got a third, so it was important that we didn't allow them a further goal."

In pushing United back, Fulham gave their hosts a real scare and almost completed what would have been another famous comeback.

"When you go behind at Old Trafford, it's always an uphill battle," added Hughes. "We knew that if we could get another goal then we could perhaps swing the momentum of the game.

"That proved to be the case, but unfortunately we just couldn't get a third. We went close, and to be fair, their 'keeper made three or four good saves to keep us out – denying Bryan right at the end.

"You expect United to have large spells of possession at Old Trafford, that's a given, but at the same time, there were periods of the game that we controlled too. On another day we could well have come away with something, especially from the last 20 minutes or so.

"We showed a lot of character today, but that is no surprise, we know that we have that. There's a lot of experience in the team, and it's a group of players that work very well together – it's something that we have shown many times before."

Despite the defeat, Hughes is confident Fulham can bounce back and build on what has been a positive start to the 2012/13 campaign.

"We did really well against Norwich last weekend, and there's a lot we can take from today too," said Hughes. "It's been a good start, but there's a long way to go yet. Like I always say, it's about taking one game at a time.

"We're solid at the back, have players with a lot of creativity in midfield and up front we can score goals – it's a nice balance. With that in mind, looking ahead, I think we could have a good season."   



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2012/august/25/plenty-to-build-on?

[WhiteJC]

 
Delightful Dembele
As part of our new Premier League Snap-shots feature, Mark Buckingham reviews Manchester United's 3-2 win over Fulham and is impressed by Moussa Dembele



Robin van Persie marked his first start for Manchester United with a stunning goal, and a sign of what is to come, while Rafael's buccaneering display against Fulham was also rewarded with a goal.

Fulham more than contributed to an entertaining encounter at Old Trafford and Moussa Dembele's performance was particularly eye-catching in his team's 3-2 defeat.

SELECTION

United made four changes from the team which lost 1-0 at Everton, with Wayne Rooney the most notable omission as he was replaced by Robin van Persie. The defence was bolstered by the inclusion of Rafael at right-back, which allowed Antonio Valencia to move into his more accustomed right-wing role. Ashley Young came in for Nani, Anderson replaced Paul Scholes as Danny Welbeck was also relegated to the bench. The changes ensured United were much less pedestrian in their play compared to the other night at Goodison Park.

Martin Jol would have wanted to stick with the team which thrashed Norwich City 5-0 last week, but was forced into one change at left-back as John Arne Riise was replaced by Matthew Briggs, who was starting just his fifth Premier League game. There was still no place in the squad for the wantaway Clint Dempsey, but you would be hard-pressed to say he was greatly missed.

TACTICS

Though Ferguson altered his team, he stuck with the 4-5-1 basis which started against Everton, with Shinji Kagawa playing the supporting role to Van Persie. There was a great fluidity about United's attacking midfielders, with wingers Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young often popping up in the centre, while there were occasions when Van Persie dropped deep to get involved. The combination of Rafael and Valencia down the right was a fruitful source of openings throughout the game before second-half substitutions saw United revert to a more traditional 4-4-2.

Fulham lined up in a similar fashion as Bryan Ruiz was handed the floating role in behind Mladen Petric. Moussa Dembele also got forward regularly from midfield and was a particular threat when running with the ball. Second-half changes saw Dembele pushed up to support Petric, and then Hugo Rodallega, with Damien Duff switching to the left and Ruiz moving out to the right.

SUBSTITUTIONS

United made a double change midway through the second half when Rooney and Welbeck were introduced for Kagawa and Welbeck. Rooney's one positive contribution was to find space to collect a Tom Cleverley pass before curling a shot over prior to being stretchered off with a nasty cut to his leg, while Welbeck worked hard as always. Ryan Giggs came on for the last 10 minutes for Anderson and smashed one cross out of play for a throw-in when United had numbers in the box.

Steven Sidwell was the first sub used by Fulham to replace Alex Kacaniklic just past the hour and his introduction allowed Dembele to probe further forwards. Rodallega looked sharp when he came on for Petric and saw a shot charged down by Michael Carrick, while Chris Baird slotted in for Mahamadou Diarra late on.

LATE BUSINESS

Sir Alex Ferguson says he has no plans to make any more signings before Friday's transfer deadline and the recruitment of Alexander Buttner ensures he has cover in every position. However, fans have been crying out for a top-class midfielder to be signed and I wonder if the performance of Dembele gave him food for thought. Dembele was superb in possession, showing grace and poise, allied to great strength to both retain the ball and win it back.

For Fulham, perhaps much of the activity will focus on departures, with Jol waiting for a bid for the wantaway Dempsey, who has not been particularly missed in the first two games. Keeping Dembele will also be a priority for Jol and much of the incoming talk has centred on whether the Cottagers will sign a striker, with Marseille's Loic Remy reported to be a target.

REFEREE

Kevin Friend had a relatively stress-free game and saw his assistant get two key decisions right, firstly in allowing Kagawa's goal to stand and then ruling out Rafael's close-range finish for offside. Friend did play an excellent advantage in the first half when Rafael counter-attacked, but his only yellow card for Brede Hangeland was perhaps harsh. However, this was offset by the fact he could have shown Hangeland a second yellow for a challenge from behind on Van Persie in the second half.

JEEPERS KEEPERS

David de Gea was criticised last season for his susceptibility at dealing with crosses into the box and he again made a complete hash of Matthew Briggs' centre on 64 minutes. De Gea got nowhere near the ball as he failed to get past Petric and it resulted in Nemanja Vidic scoring a comical own goal. However, De Gea did produce several smart saves and also appeared to learn his lesson when coming out confidently to punch a late free-kick into the box. There is clearly still a weakness in De Gea's game, but a more settled defence should help the Spaniard to become more commanding.

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is at the opposite end of his career to De Gea and he perhaps would have been disappointed with his role in United's second goal. Schwarzer appeared a little unsighted when Tom Cleverley's shot came in from the edge of the box, but he could have done better than just push the ball straight out to Kagawa, who had a simple finish after Fulham's defenders were slow in coming off the line.

LOOKING AHEAD

A welcome, if nervy, first win for United and the sooner Carrick can return to midfield and a natural centre-half is fit to play alongside Vidic the better as far as Ferguson will be concerned. Jonny Evanswas on the bench and he should be ready for the next game against Southampton. Rafael was a constant threat going forward, but he still has plenty to learn about the defensive side of things, while Cleverley and Anderson combined well in the centre of midfield as they did at the start of last season. The injury to Rooney, who is likely to be out for four weeks, could prove to be something of a blessing as Kagawa clearly thrives playing behind the main striker and Van Persie will only improve the more he plays with his new team-mates.

Despite the result, Fulham should take great confidence from the way they played, especially in the second half. Jol suggested that his side were perhaps a little overawed in the first half, but the style of Fulham's play means they have no reason to fear going to any ground or being prepared to go toe-to-toe with the Premier League's elite. Dembele was immense and on that form the Belgium international would not look out of place in any team in the division, given his willingness to receive the ball and be prepared to take players on. A top-10 finish should be the minimum ambition for the Cottagers this season and they have the balance within the squad to aim a little higher than that.



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11096/8018574/Delightful-Dembele?

[WhiteJC]

 
The View From South Texas — Man United v. Fulham FC

by HatterDon

Once again, sorry for the delay.

Moussa Dembélé Has a New Agent ... and His Name is Tony Gale

Well, what an interesting match that was. Fulham showed parity with United in the first half hour, played like 11 frightened mice in the second half hour, and scared the bejesus out of the hosts in the third. A one-goal defeat was a deserved result, but this match was really about assessing how good we are this early in the season. After summarily dispatching a very poor Norwich side at home, we were at perhaps the worst away venue for anyone fighting for 9th or 10th place.

United were nervous. Their defense looked shaky at times, and it took a brilliant goal by van Persie to bag their equalizer. YES, we were ahead. A clever and well-executed free kick [and how long since I've used that phrase?] from Brian Ruiz caught that nervous defense all congregating at the far post. Ruiz slid the ball rapidly sideways and Damian Duff slotted it home. I believe there were barely two minutes on the clock at this time.

Oh, yes, van Persie's equalizer. The replays show that there may only be three or four other players in the Premier League audacious enough to try the shot, and perhaps only van Persie is capable of converting it. And the fun was on. There were raids upfield by both sides that lasted until the 35th minute when the flashy Japanese midfielder Kagawa was there to put United up after Schwarzer should probably have held rather than punched an earlier shot. Fulham were disconcerted, and it only got worse 5 minutes later when United's Ninja Turtle headed in their third from a nice cross from Young. Fulham  spent the rest of the half in lock-down mode, as if the most positive result from the day's efforts would be a two-goal defeat.

The second half started much the same way. Fulham got a bit more possession, but it was almost exclusively in their own half. United were able to maintain a solid front in the unlikely case that the Whites would actually attack. When Sidwell came on in place of our most aggressive attacker – Kacaniklic – I thought the surrender was on. And yet ... . And yet Moussa Dembélé's brilliance, on display the entire time, suddenly turned serious. Only two minutes after Sidwell came on, Fulham turned the spigot on. Our second goal was a Vidic o.g., but it owed a lot to Dembélé, Ruiz, and Petrić – who, had the ball not trickled over the line, would have easily have booted it in.

This was in the 64th minute and for the rest of the match, United were on the defensive as Fulham went for a point. Dembélé created and actually took a shot or two, Briggs bombed up the wing, Ruiz delivered a magic touch or two, and Rodallega threatened. United brought on Rooney, Welbeck, and Giggs [nice subs, huh?] but to no avail. Fulham ended the match knocking on the door. As the travelers sang "Take Me Home Al Fayed" with gusto, the lads in the red tablecloth shirts just wanted the whistle to blow so they could take their own selves home.

3-2 United, but I turned off the television feeling like we had won. How did we look? Good marks for Hughes, Riether, Briggs, Kacaniklic, and Duff. Somewhat disappointing were Hangeland, Ruiz, Diarra, Petrić, and Schwarzer. TOP marks to Moussa Dembélé. After 90 minutes of constant praise by "color commentator," Tony Gale, Our Brilliant Belgian looked every inch "one of the most creative players in the league. Easily a top four player." As the final whistle blew, I turned to Hatter Mom and said, "Well, Dembélé's transfer fee just went up £2m." He was the leading man on the biggest stage in British football today.

So, how do we look after two matches and three points? Did the Norwich result flatter to deceive?  Well, possibly, but I certainly wasn't predicting Champions League football after beating a woeful Norwich last Saturday. I think things look bright this season. Despite fairly mundane performances by Ruiz and Diarra, I think that we have plenty of creativity and steel coming from the center. Briggs's creditable performance showed that we have some depth in defense. As a matter of fact, once we stopped inviting United to attack our back four, we looked fine. Counting Baird – nice to see him in a cameo, by the way – we have four good fullbacks, and four good centerbacks [once Senderos is back and Halliche is freed]. I like Special K up front, and Petrić looks very good. When Frei comes back, we'll have even more speed.

My guess? This squad [with Dembélé] is good enough to get us comfortably in mid-table. If Moussa goes, we'll need to pray for no serious injuries.

Obviously, Hatter Don's [and Tony Gale's]  MOtM is Moussa Dembélé. Good result, even if we got no points. Bring them all on, one at a time. COYW



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