Monday Fulham Stuff (10/02/14)...

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United thwarted by last-gasp Bent goal for Fulham

(Reuters) - An injury-time goal from Fulham's Darren Bent inflicted more pain on struggling Manchester United as the bottom club rescued a 2-2 Premier League draw on Sunday while Tottenham Hotspur beat top-four rivals Everton 1-0.

Late goals from Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick helped United cancel out a Steve Sidwell opener to lead a resolute Fulham 2-1 before Bent headed in at the far post to nick a point in the 94th minute.

A stunning finish from revitalised striker Emmanuel Adebayor helped fifth-placed Tottenham sink Everton to move above their rivals.

Tottenham were second best for most of the match as Everton confidently dominated possession but they were left to rue their lack of a cutting edge when Adebayor fired powerfully into the bottom corner midway through the second half.

It was the Togo striker's sixth goal in his last eight league matches.

Tottenham, who had won just two of their previous 13 league games against Everton, have 47 points, three adrift of fourth-placed Liverpool and two ahead of Everton in sixth.

Manchester United are seventh on 41 points while Fulham stay bottom with 20.

(Reporting by Toby Davis; editing by Ed Osmond)



http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/02/09/soccer-england-idINDEEA1805V20140209?rpc=401&feedType=RSS&feedName=sportsNews&rpc=401

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GIF IT: FULHAM'S STEVE SIDWELL SCORES VS MAN UTD, ASSIST FROM SPURS LOANEE LEWIS HOLTBY



Fulham's Steve Sidwell got on the end of a wonderful ball from Lewis Holtby to put his side into the lead against Manchester United.


http://www.offthepost.info/blog/2014/02/gif-it-fulhams-steve-sidwell-scores-vs-man-utd-assist-from-spurs-loanee-lewis-holtby/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+offthepost%2FTLAa+%28Off+The+Post%29

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Premier League: Fulham claim a dramatic point after 2-2 draw with Manchester United

Manchester United endured more Old Trafford misery on Sunday as rock-bottom Fulham snatched a dramatic 2-2 draw.

The Cottagers took a shock lead through Steve Sidwell but were unable to keep United out as they fell under ever-increasing pressure and were beaten twice in the space of as many minutes by Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick.

Rene Meulensteen's men refused to throw in the towel, though, and grabbed a stoppage-time leveller through Darren Bent to pile more pressure on beleaguered United boss David Moyes.

Fulham took the lead on 19 minutes when Sidwell was allowed to drift untracked down the centre of the field and cushion a perfectly-weighted pass from Lewis Holtby past David de Gea and into the bottom corner.

The visitors were then faced with a United onslaught, which saw them pepper the penalty area with crosses, and their resistance was finally broken 12 minutes from time when Van Persie converted from close range.

Carrick then steered a 20-yard drive into the top corner two minutes later to turn the game on its head, but there was to be late drama as De Gea parried a Kieran Richardson shot up in the air and Bent stooped to turn the ball into an empty net.

Trouble

For Moyes and United, now nine points away from a UEFA Champions League place, a hellish season just keeps getting worse. And, with a visit to Arsenal on Wednesday, there is no end to the trouble in sight.

Moyes admitted in the build-up that Meulensteen knew more about the home players than he did, something that can only be expected after spending six years as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant until last summer.

What was less obvious was the Dutchman's method of taking advantage of that inside knowledge.

In axing Scott Parker and Brede Hangeland and placing his faith in 18-year-old debutant Muamer Tankovic and midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe, he was injecting his side with vitality so obviously lacking over an eight-game run that brought just a single win.

Holtby was the inspiration behind the visitors' opener.

Allowed far too much room to advance down the left flank, the German playmaker was able to drop a superb cross into the heart of United's penalty area.

Nemanja Vidic had been pulled out of position and as neither Darren Fletcher nor Juan Mata had tracked Sidwell's run, the midfielder was able to slide the ball past a stranded De Gea with a degree of comfort.

It was the first time Fulham had scored an opening goal since December - and they should have scored more.

Holtby created a golden chance for Richardson but the former Red Devils man blazed over.

Chances

Then Richardson scorched past Vidic, only for Wayne Rooney to intercept a cut-back that looked certain to set up Holtby.

United were creating chances. Maarten Stekelenburg superbly denied Carrick's thunderbolt and a powerful Vidic header. Van Persie failed to snaffle a half-chance at the near post.

But that attacking instinct that has terrorised so many opponents down the years was missing from the hosts' game.

Adnan Januzaj's introduction for Fletcher, followed by the arrivals of Javier Hernandez and Antonio Valencia, meant United had six offensive players trying to score against a team that had kept just four clean sheets all season.

Really, United could not fail to score.

It was noticeable the accompaniment to Van Persie tucking home Juan Mata's cross at the far post was merely to lead a charge back to halfway, knowing the job was only half done.

When Carrick's shot looped in off Parker a couple of minutes later it seemed something was finally going to go Moyes' way.

The Scot should have known better.

Bent will rarely get an easier goal when it came in the fourth of five added minutes, and while the boos at full-time were half-hearted, there really is little positive that can be said of Moyes' reign right now.



http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/287530/report?

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Manchester United 2-2 Fulham: Bent piles pressure on beleaguered boss Moyes with Fergie Time leveller for bottom club

Darren Bent's last-gasp equaliser left Manchester United shattered after the champions thought they had saved themselves from another desperate day.

Trailing to Steve Sidwell's first-half opener, United's search for redemption lasted until the 79th minute before Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick struck within the space of 120 seconds to turn the match on its head.

Carrick's goal brought Wayne Rooney to his knees in celebration and had manager David Moyes punching the air with relief.

But the celebrations were cut short in the fourth minute of stoppage time as David de Gea turned away Kieran Richardson's shot, but sent the ball straight into the path of substitute Bent who nodded into an empty net.


Last gasp: Manchester United were less than a minute from victory when Darren Bent headed home to snatch a point for Fulham

Flying: Bent celebrates his dramatic equaliser at Old Trafford

Too late: David De Gea shows his disappointment while Wayne Rooney queries the time remaining

Plenty to ponder: David Moyes heads for the dressing-room after seeing United fail to win at home for the eighth time this season

Now it was former United assistant Rene Meulensteen's turn to punch the air as his side, rock bottom of the Barclays Premier League and five points adrift of safety at kick-off, snatched a precious point.

For Moyes and United, now nine points away from a Champions League place, a hellish season just keeps getting worse. And, with a visit to Arsenal on Wednesday, there is no end to the trouble in sight.

Moyes admitted in the build-up that Meulensteen knew more about the home players than he did, something that can only be expected after spending six years as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant until last summer.

What was less obvious was the Dutchman's method of taking advantage of that inside knowledge.

In axing Scott Parker and Brede Hangeland and placing his faith in 18-year-old debutant Muamer Tankovic and midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe, he was injecting his side with vitality so obviously lacking over an eight-game run that brought just a single win.

So while the visitors required a scrapper's instinct to survive the inevitable bombardment, it meant they had the pace to exert pressure on their hosts when the counter-attacking opportunities came.
Lewis Holtby was the inspiration behind the visitors' opener.


Enough to make you cross: United attempted 81 crosses as they struggled to break Fulham down

Making his point: Former United coach Rene Meulensteen returned to Old Trafford and emerged with a draw

Relief: Michael Carrick thought he had won it for Manchester United with his late goal

Level: Robin van Persie turned in from close range 11 minutes from time to make it 1-1
Allowed far too much room to advance down the left flank, Holtby was able to drop a superb cross into the heart of United's penalty area.

Nemanja Vidic had been pulled out of possession and as neither Darren Fletcher nor Juan Mata had tracked Sidwell's run, the midfielder was able to slide the ball past a stranded De Gea with a degree of comfort.

It was the first time Fulham had scored an opening goal since December - and they should have scored more.

Holtby created a golden chance for Richardson but the former Red Devils man blazed over.

Then Richardson scorched past Vidic, only for Wayne Rooney to intercept a cut-back that looked certain to set up Holtby.


Net gains: Steve Sidwell slides in to give Fulham a first-half lead

Suoer Sid: Fulham's skipper wheels away after his opening goal
In a season of shattering blows, Meulensteen looked set to inflict the heaviest of all.

United were creating chances. Maarten Stekelenburg superbly denied Carrick's thunderbolt and powerful Vidic header. Van Persie failed to snaffle a half-chance at the near post.

Even John Arne Riise came close with a chested clearance to an Ashley Young cross that was far too close to Stekelenburg's goal for comfort.

But that attacking instint that has terrorised so many opponents down the years was missing from the hosts' game.


Not again: It has become a familiar sight this season, United's players regrouping after conceding a goal
When Fletcher lifted the ball deep into the area for Van Persie to head into the six-yard box, no one had gambled and Fulham were able to clear with ease.

A rather desperate claim for handball by Van Persie against John Heitinga emphasised the concern starting to grip Old Trafford.
Adnan Januzaj's introduction for Fletcher, followed by the arrivals of Javier Hernandez and Antonio Valencia, meant United had six offensive players trying to score against a team that had kept just four clean sheets all season.

Really, United could not fail to score.


Team goal: The Match Zone graphic shows the intricacy of Sidwell's goal
It was noticeable the accompanyment to Van Persie tucking home Juan Mata's cross at the far post was merely to lead a charge back to halfway, knowing the job was only half done.

When Carrick's shot looped in off Parker a couple of minutes later it seemed something was finally going to go Moyes' way.
The Scot should have known better.

Bent will rarely get an easier goal when it came in the fourth of five added minutes, and while the boos at full-time were half-hearted, there really is little positive that can be said of Moyes' reign right now.


Over the top: Robin van Persie skies over the crossbar as United went in search of an equaliser

Bored? Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't look too impressed as he is joined by Simply Red singer Mick Hucknall

What's the Mata, Juan: The Spaniard was unable to inspire United as they searched for an equaliser before half-time

Keeping them in it: Fulham's John Arne Riise congratulates Maarten Stekelenburg after one second-




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2554064/Manchester-United-2-Fulham-2-Match-report-Bent-piles-pressure-Moyes-gasp-leveller-bottom-club.html#ixzz2sqzyFK3P
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Unbelievable! Darren Bent scored 95th minute equaliser for Fulham at Manchester United [Vine]

Manchester United came from behind to lead 2-1 against Fulham on Sunday afternoon.

Their back to the wall performance looked like it wouldn't pay off.

That was until Darren Bent scored a 95th minute equaliser to break United hearts.

Unbelievable scenes.




http://www.101greatgoals.com/blog/unbelievable-darren-bent-scored-95th-minute-equaliser-for-fulham-at-manchester-united-vine/?

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Darren Bent keen for Fulham to kick on

Darren Bent is hopeful that his last-gasp goal in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United can act as the catalyst for transforming Fulham's fortunes this season.

United looked on course to beat the Cottagers at Old Trafford this evening after Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick struck in the final 10 minutes to negate Steve Sidwell's first-half opener.

However, Bent was on hand to rescue a point for the bottom-placed Londoners, and the former England international hopes that his contribution can be the "turning point" in their fight against relegation.

He told reporters: "The team worked so hard in the first half and when you go 2-1 down at these kind of places you think the worst but we hoped for one more chance and I managed top put it away.

"I hope this can be a turning point. When you come here you always have it hard but we didn't let out heads drop."

Rene Meulensteen's men, who remain rooted to the foot of the Premier League table, host Liverpool at Craven Cottage on Wednesday.


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/news/bent-keen-for-fulham-to-kick-on_136592.html

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Sidwell "speechless" as Fulham earn Manchester United draw

Fulham captain Steve Sidwell has admitted that he has been rendered "speechless" following today's 2-2 draw away at Manchester United.

The 31-year-old drew first blood for the Cottagers in the 19th minute, but the Red Devils scored two goals in quick succession with just over 10 minutes to go, courtesy of Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick.

However, Darren Bent's stoppage time header ensured that the West London outfit would not go home empty-handed.

"It's a massive point, I'm speechless really," Sidwell told reporters after the game. "We put a lot of effort in and rode our luck but came away with a point.

"It was hard. It's never easy coming here so hopefully we can kick on now for the rest of the season.

"We had chances to put it to bed in the first half and I thought we deserved a point."

The Cottagers remain at the foot of the Premier League table, four points from safety.



http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/news/sidwell-speechless-over-united-draw_136591.html

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Fulham pull the rug from under United

Darren Bent struck late in added time to earn Fulham FC a 2-2 draw at Manchester United FC, after Tottenham Hotspur FC leapfrogged Everton FC into fifth spot via a 1-0 win.





Manchester United FC were forced to settle for a 2-2 home draw with Fulham FC after their stirring comeback was undermined by an equaliser four minutes into added time, while Tottenham Hotspur FC edged Everton FC 1-0.

Pinned in their own half for long stretches, Fulham took a surprise lead on 19 minutes at Old Trafford courtesy of Steve Sidwell, who expertly steered in from close range. The one-way traffic continued after the restart and David Moyes's side eventually broke through with 12 minutes remaining as Robin van Persie turned in Juan Mata's centre at the back post.

The second arrived just two minutes later when Michael Carrick's effort from the edge of the box took a deflection and swept past Maarten Stekelenburg. More drama was to come, however, with Darren Bent heading in just before the whistle after a Kieran Richardson shot had been parried. The result leaves United nine points shy of fourth spot, while the Cottagers remain bottom.

Earlier on Sunday, Emmanuel Adebayor scored for the fourth time in six Premier League outings as Tottenham leapfrogged Everton into fifth place. In a game of few chances at White Hart Lane, the 29-year-old forward broke the deadlock shortly after the hour by taking receipt of Kyle Walker's free-kick and firing past Tim Howard.


http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=eng/news/newsid=2052375.html?

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Man Utd draw 'as bad as it gets' – Moyes

Manchester United boss David Moyes was bitterly disappointed after Fulham denied his side victory at Old Trafford.

Two late goals in as many minutes appeared to give United all three points but Darren Bent scored deep into injury time to snatch a draw for the Whites.

It continued United's woes under Moyes, who admitted: "Today was as bad as it gets. How we didn't win I have no idea.

"We dominated the game and being one down was bad enough. The amount of attempts, chances and play we had was unbelievable.

"We should have scored more. You've got to try and keep making it work."



http://www.westlondonsport.com/man-utd/sport-man-utd/david-moyes-manchester-united-v-fulham-reaction

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Fulham to make bid for Christian Fuchs?

Fulham are keeping tabs on Christian Fuchs as they put together their summer wishlist, a report says.

The Cottagers reportedly made a move for the left-back on transfer deadline day, but failed to reach an agreement.

However, despite their Premier League future hanging in the balance, Fulham are prepared to pay £2m for the Austria international, according to The Mirror.

Fuchs, who has won over 50 caps, is currently at Schalke 04.



http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/fulham-to-make-bid-for-christian-fuchs_136652.html

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Meulensteen makes his point
by DAN on FEBRUARY 10, 2014

Plenty of column inches discussed the deepening doom gathering around Craven Cottage this week. The dire display against Sheffield United was indefensible – but the idea that Rene Meulensteen had been given two games to save his job seemed pretty far-fetched to me. Here's a man thrust into a managerial role and one hell of a relegation dogfight at short-notice when it became clear that Martin Jol's race was run, only to be dispatched a matter of days after the board had backed him with a £12m purchase were he not to pick up points against Manchester United or Liverpool.

There could be no doubting the pressure Meulensteen was under, however. If he wasn't 180 minutes away from his P45, Fulham's fate was precarious enough to have him burning the midnight oil. One of the Dutchman's most endearing qualities during this painful period has been his sunny demeanour – a confidence that he had the ability to turn things around. After succumbing to a side struggling against the drop in League One, there could be doubting the depth of the problem. And, judging by the way Fulham were set up at Old Trafford this afternoon, the diagnosis was a simple one: back to basics.

You could see that the result was a product of successive sessions on the Motspur Park training pitches. There was more than a hint of the Hodgson defensive shape about the way Fulham went about their business against the champions. A narrow back four was supported by a shield formed of two deep-lying midfielders, whilst defensive wingers tucked in to make the shape even more compact. Their presence allowed Riether and Riise to be primarily concerned with covering the width of the penalty area, leaving little space for United to play around the centre backs. In front of those two banks of four sat Lewis Holtby, notionally an attacking midfielder, but tasked with doing plenty of hassling and harrying without the ball. Although the setting may have been inspiring, Muamer Tankovic's first Premier League start was more likely to be about graft than glory.

The big calls concerned the personnel whom Meulensteen would trust to stop the rot. Playing Kieran Richardson ahead of John Arne Riise gave Fulham solidity down their left-flank, almost serving notice of their intentions, although the former Manchester United man's searing pace and willing endeavour saw him trouble his former employers far more regularly than they might have expected. Few would have predicted captain Brede Hangeland dropping out of the starting line-up and Scott Parker's absence from the first eleven meant Fulham were without a battler who would put his foot in.

But this was about more than being brave. Smart, speedy football was called for. Fulham weren't going to have much of the ball, so making the best use of it was crucial. Meulensteen opted to hand Ryan Tunicliffe a Premier League debut against the team he'd dreamt of breaking into and the Trafford boy didn't let anyone down. Disciplined in defence, composed in possession and eager to run at opponents even in an unfamiliar wide role, his was a diligent display. That Fulham fashioned the best chances of a first period they spent on the back foot would have baffled the pundits.

Taking the lead with a move of outrageous quality befuddled everyone. Holtby, such a livewire on his debut against Sunderland, showed just what an outstanding talent he is with delightfully chipped pass that prized open a horribly square and static United defence. The weight of pass was perfect for the galloping Sidwell to surge into the box and, without breaking stride, steer into the bottom left corner with the modicum of fuss. The great unspoken aspect of the goal was the intelligent running of Tankovic, who turned Vidic back towards his own goal, and created the space into which Fulham's goalscorer roamed.

Whatever the statistics suggested, Fulham could have been out of sight at half-time. Two breakaways, powered by Richardson's pace, might have put the match beyond United. First, the midfielder – so regularly maligned since his arrival from Sunderland – cleared a United corner inside his own box and, buoyed by the purpose of Tankovic's fine run, appeared on the Swede's left shoulder in the blink of an eye. Tankovic timed the pass to perfection, but Richardson's composure eluded him as De Gea appeared in his eye-line, and the shot flew over. Later in the half, only a fine inception from the retreating Rooney prevented Holtby from latching onto Richardson's cross as Fulham threatened again after a swift counter-attack.

Much has been made of the feebleness of United's crossing – but Meulensteen deserves credit here too. With Richardson and Tunnicliffe reminded of their defensive duties, United were often attacking a back six. Space was at a premium and Fulham's compact shape meant the only room was on the flanks. Lacking the height of a Fellaini, crosses had to be perfect – and United seemed strangely resistant to fizzing a few along the ground. The imperious Dan Burn, who has barely put a foot wrong since being recalled from his loan spell at Birmingham to plug Fulham's leaky defence, dealt with high ball after high ball, making 22 successful clearances with composure that belied his tender age.

Credit too to William Kvist, who has delivered organisation and destructiveness at the base of a midfield so easily breached previously. The Dane looked utterly spent when he was substituted in the second half, but his tackles, blocks and bravery allowed Sidwell to express himself in more advanced positions – which was so crucial in the two moves that led to Fulham's goals. The addition of Tunnicliffe, Holtby and Tankovic meant Fulham were far less pedestrian than in past weeks – and the energy that Meulensteen had called for surged through the side.

It was, of course, asking too much for the league's bottom side to complete their rearguard action, but most pleasing was the character that came through once they were behind. Instead of folding, Fulham went for broke and got their reward. How fitting that it came courtesy of a bit of poaching from Darren Bent. That predatory instinct inside the six-yard box was what prompted Jol to bring him in, but this has been a frustrating loan spell for the man so marginalised at Aston Villa. Parallels with Fulham's other hero in Manchester, Diomansy Kamara, might be premature but the Senegalese striker also endured a difficult first season at Craven Cottage.

Bent made his point with aplomb in injury-time but this triumph – for that's what it felt like by the final whistle – was Meulensteen's. Nobody will be fooled into believing the league's worst defence is transformed, but this is a steady start on the road towards solidity.


http://hammyend.com/index.php/2014/02/meulensteen-makes-his-point/?

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Manchester United 2-2 Fulham, match report


Nemanja Vidic looks on in horror as Darren Bent nods home at the death. Picture: Getty

Manchester United manager David Moyes was left to count the cost of a lack of a clinical edge up front as his side drew 2-2 with Fulham at Old ­Trafford.

Darren Bent scored a stoppage-time equaliser to salvage a draw for the struggling Cottagers, who had taken the lead through Steve Sidwell in the 19th minute.

United hit back twice in two second-half minutes through Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick and were poised to snatch the points until Bent rescued a dramatic point.

"We went out and tried to win. We crossed it, passed and tried to get through, but we didn't quite have the finishing touches," said Moyes. "If we had got a goal early on it would have completely altered the game.

"The more we went to score they had a couple of chances and one they went to score from. We deserved to be in front. Quite often at Old Trafford, we lose a goal and end up chasing the game. We deserved to win the game and three points, but you don't always get what you deserve. We kept knocking at the door, but it wasn't enough."

The draw leaves Manchester United nine points adrift of Liverpool in fourth place and 15 behind Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Under-pressure Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen's side remain bottom of the table, but the point puts them four adrift of Sunderland who occupy the last safe position in 17th.

Meulensteen was relieved to have claimed a point after United's comeback. "We made it difficult for them," he said. "United have got some problems of their own. They kept creating chances and crosses, but we defended well and held them. We thought at the end it was going to slip away – all of the hard work that we had done – but at the end to score that it felt like a winner.

"It was definitely intentional to stay deep. When you are in a situation like this you know confidence is not the highest and something down the line has to give. We focused on keening our shape and we defended well. The important things is we got a point. Some people classified us as dead and buried."

Moyes admitted in the build-up that Meulensteen knew more about the home players than he did, something that can only be expected after spending six years as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant until last summer. What was less obvious was the Dutchman's method of taking advantage of that inside ­knowledge.

In axing Scott Parker and Brede Hangeland and placing his faith in 18-year-old debutant Muamer Tankovic and midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe, he was injecting his side with vitality so obviously lacking over an eight-game run that brought just a single win. So while the visitors required a scrapper's instinct to survive the inevitable bombardment, it meant they had the pace to exert pressure on their hosts when the counter-attacking opportunities came.

Lewis Holtby was the inspiration behind the visitors' opener. Allowed far too much room to advance down the left flank, Holtby was able to drop a superb cross into the heart of United's penalty area. Nemanja Vidic had been pulled out of possession and as neither Darren Fletcher nor Juan Mata had tracked Sidwell's run, the midfielder was able to slide the ball past a stranded De Gea with a degree of comfort. It was the first time Fulham had scored an opening goal since December – and they should have scored more.

Holtby created a golden chance for Richardson, but the former Red Devils man blazed over. Then Richardson scorched past Vidic, only for Wayne Rooney to intercept a cutback that looked certain to set up Holtby. In a season of shattering blows, Meulensteen looked set to inflict the heaviest of all.

United were creating chances. Maarten Stekelenburg superbly denied Carrick's thunderbolt and powerful Vidic header. Van Persie failed to snaffle a half-chance at the near post. Even John Arne Riise came close with a chested clearance to an Ashley Young cross that was far too close to Stekelenburg's goal for comfort.

But that attacking instinct that has terrorised so many opponents down the years was missing from the hosts' game. When Fletcher lifted the ball deep into the area for Van Persie to head into the six-yard box, no one had gambled and Fulham were able to clear with ease. A rather desperate claim for handball by Van Persie against John Heitinga emphasised the concern starting to grip Old Trafford.

Adnan Januzaj's introduction for Fletcher, followed by the arrivals of Javier Hernandez and Antonio Valencia, meant United had six offensive players trying to score against a team that had kept just four clean sheets all season. Really, United could not fail to score.

It was noticeable the accompaniment to Van Persie tucking home Juan Mata's cross at the far post was merely to lead a charge back to halfway, knowing the job was only half done. When Carrick's shot looped in off Parker a couple of minutes later it seemed something was finally going to go Moyes's way. The Scot should have known better.

Bent will rarely get an easier goal when it came, and while the boos at full-time were half-hearted, there ­really is little positive that can be said of Moyes's reign right now.

Scorers: Manchester United - Van Persie (78), Carrick (80); Fulham - Sidwell (19), Bent (90)



http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/english/manchester-united-2-2-fulham-match-report-1-3300419

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5 THINGS WE LEARNED: MANCHESTER UNITED VS FULHAM.

United were forced to settle for a draw this afternoon as they were held to a 2-2 stalemate at home to Fulham thanks to a late Darrent Bent equaliser. It was a game in which United continuously dominated, but failed to appear the finished article. After going behind mid way through the first half, it was as if the "luck" that Moyes is always referring to was going against us again.


Cross after cross bombarded the box but to no aveil. The far post was the most likely destination of the afternoon, as balls went astray. It was left to a two minute double from Van Persie and Carrick to revive United in the closing moments. That said however, a defensive miscommunication allowed Richardson to force a save out of De Gea, before leaving Bent with a simple nod into an empty net. Much for Moyes to mull over then, ahead of the Emirates trip on Wednesday.

Moyes' Tactics

Today was the perfect advert; 81 crosses yielded just one of our two goals. Listen up Dave, we need to be more expansive. Whilst crossing is great if you have a pair of huge strikers in the box, it is not a system we can adapt too. In Van Persie, Rooney and Mata, we have a trio who boast creativity, flair and skill. Why therefore should we restrict them to just heading in at the near post? Time after time today areas in the middle opened up, only for the ball to be shipped out to Young on the wing. If we continue to utilise this style of play, there is little to no evidence that results will change and the club will cascade further in its fall from the heights of reigning champions. Plan A for United seems to pass wide, bomb down the wing and whip in a cross. Should this fail, the "repeat until success is found" button will be hit non-stop in a button bash manner. If however there was a "play through balls to carve space in the midfield" button, you can't help think that the likes of Kagawa and Mata would further excel in that role. It was left to undercover rebel Carrick to opt not to play the ball wide and instead have a shot on goal and put United ahead to perhaps show that through the middle can work. However, if Moyes is as stubborn on tactical changes as he is learning from PR comment disasters, it could take a while to see the results.

Leadership

There was no doubting the response from the fans as they offered incredible vocal support for Nemanja Vidic today as he announced he will be departing come the end of the season. Yet a visible and authoritative figure was in hiding today for 90 minutes. We need to prepare for life without the Serb, and one of the existing starting XI must find it in them to act fast. Too often heads dropped, confidence shattered by the Fulham defensive bus that marshalled the 18 yard box. We can't afford this attitude in this run of form. Players need to step up, and fast. Today it was left to Rooney and RVP, the two main talismen of Manchester United, too make a difference. Both were forced to drop deep and search for the ball in order to start an attack. Too often we just sat back and kept the ball amongst the centre backs. A commanding presence needs to be sought, vocal backing on the pitch would surely lift the spirits of fellow players.

Passion

Make no mistake about this, you are a Manchester United player. When you pull on that red shirt once a week, you should get goosebumps. In a similar mantra to the "mes que un club" bread into players at Barcelona, we should follow suit. The statues, posters and references to the Busby Babes should all provide ample motivation for your performance on that pitch. Recently, it's just not been evident. The honeymoon period of record signing Mata appears to have abruptly been cut short as although his performances remain high, the others have not perhaps risen as we hoped. A lack of passion is all too evident if a team low on confidence is on a bad run. However, having taken just 4 out of 9 points recently, the passion for the club should be refueled by the desire and motivation to rescue the dwindling season.

Tempo

Today we played Fulham, a team described as being at "rock bottom" by their manager. It then bamboozles me as to why we just stood off them in the midfield today. There was a lack of urgency, a disinterest in winning the ball back immediately. This is a team bottom in the league, low on confidence, and hardly worth respecting. However, United showed far too much respect to them during some exchanges today. Steve Sidwell was allowed to dictate the pace, often able to stride forward without opposition. Furthermore, Carrick and Fletcher both dropped so deep that at times they were level with the wing back play of Evra and Rafael. We were outclassed on counterattacks too. There were a handful of occasions this afternoon where we went from an attacking corner to scampering back as Fulham pressed forward. The team showed a lack of desire and hunger to gain the ball back quickly after losing possession, instead hoping for an unforced error from the opponent. Given the trip to Arsenal on wednesday, this must be rectified if we wish to gain any sort of positive result from the Gunners.

Juan Mata

"Why buy a Ferrari and drive it like a Fiat?" To parapharse Zlatan Ibrahimovic's thoughts on Guardiola's decision to play him down the right in support of Messi. I feel much of this can be related to the current state of Mata. Whilst today he was free at times to roam into the central channels, he was not trained to be played on the wing. This begs the question, was Mata a panic buy? I'd like to think know, he was a world class player who despite not being the answer to our problems, would be silly to disregard given his availability. Despite this, we know he excels in a central role and so what does Moyes feel he can gain by putting him on the wing? There is no point in playing the club record signing out of position as we could just see the Kagawa episodes repeat themselves. It becomes clearer every week that 4-4-2 is not the answer to our problems. An altered 4-3-1-2 could allow Mata to sit behind RVP and Rooney but in front of a midfield 3. Thus, a platform to steady him, but firepower for him to unleash ahead. It is vital that Moyes adapts the team around Mata, and not vice versa.

So, plenty of food for thought before the Emirates hosts us on Wednesday. There is talk of United heading out for warm weather training in the middle east after due to the prolonged rest period before Crystal Palace away. Whatever needs doing or saying, Moyes must act efficiently as the season will be slamming shut quicker than you can say Europa League otherwise. Whilst I still quietly raise my doubts, I do want him to succeed at the club. What worries me was the dip in vocal "stand by David Moyes" chants at todays game. If Moyes has already lost some fans, how long does he have to win them back?



http://www.prideofalleurope.com/2014/02/5-things-we-learned-manchester-united-vs-fulham/

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Liverpool Is Massive – Rene Meulensteen Gees Fulham Up for Reds Clash

Fulham manager Rene Meuelensteen has dubbed his side's match against Liverpool on Wednesday night "massive" as the Cottagers seek to build on a 2-2 draw away at Manchester United yesterday.

Meulensteen's men took the lead at Old Trafford only to see two quickfire Manchester United goals in the 78th and 80th minutes put the hosts in front.

But Fulham rallied and grabbed an equaliser in injury time which sends them into the clash against Liverpool at Craven Cottage with confidence.

And Meulensteen, a former Manchester United first team coach, knows how important the game against Liverpool is, even if he claims his players are relishing it.

Liverpool is a massive, massive game", he told his club's site.

"But these players want to play in these sort of games.

"It's the most exciting league and you have to step up for the big boys.

"Hopefully this [draw at Old Trafford] gives us a good base to kick on."


Read more at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2014/02/10/liverpool-is-massive-rene-meulensteen-gees-fulham-up-for-reds-clash/126502/#bzRfCHw9q0b7yD0i.99

[WhiteJC]

 
Manchester United plays league-worst Fulham to a draw

LONDON (AP) — So often the beneficiary of late goals under Alex Ferguson, it seems everything is being turned on its head at Manchester United under David Moyes after his team's latest stumble in the Premier League.

Deep into stoppage time at Old Trafford, Darren Bent plundered a goal in "Fergie Time" for Fulham to claim a 2-2 draw for the league's worst team on Sunday.

And a miserable first season for Moyes just keeps on getting worse, with the champions adrift in seventh, after winning the title by 11 points under Ferguson in May.

"Today was probably as bad as it gets," Moyes said.

But next up on Wednesday is a trip to Arsenal, which might have lost 5-1 at Liverpool on Saturday but is second in the standings.

Bent's intervention leaves United nine points adrift of the fourth Champions League qualification place, let alone the summit where Chelsea is 15 points ahead.

Even more agonizing for Moyes is that his team had turned the match around to be in a winning position. Trailing from Steve Sidwell's 19th minute-goal, Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick scored rapid goals to put United 2-1 up going into the final 10 minutes.

United's setback was compounded by Tottenham moving three points from fourth place on Sunday by dislodging Everton from fifth with a 1-0 victory over the Merseyside team.

While Tottenham is experiencing a revival after changing managers, there is little appetite at United to dismiss the man who succeeded Ferguson after 26 years.

Moyes will fight on, with the prospect of Champions League glory still in play, even if the squad doesn't look capable of conquering the European football powers these days.

What made Sunday's draw so galling too is that it was masterminded by Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen, who was Ferguson's assistant at United until May, and is enduring even more misery than Moyes with his bottom-place team.

How relieved Meulensteen was to see Lewis Holtby, a midfielder on loan from Tottenham, rampage down the left flank before sending in a cross that the advancing Sidwell slid into the net.

United was lacking a killer instinct in front of goal until it was almost too late. Juan Mata's cross was turned in by the unmarked Van Persie in the 78th, and Carrick's shot deflected off Scott Parker into the net.

But United's defense crumbled. A shot from former United winger Kieran Richardson was pushed by goalkeeper David de Gea straight to Bent who headed into an empty net.

In a game where United sent in some 81 crosses to Fulham's four, and goal attempts were 31 to six in the hosts' favor, the points were shared.

And Fulham is four points from safety at the bottom.

"We made it difficult for them," Meulensteen said. "United have got some problems of their own. They kept creating chances and crosses but we defended well and held them."



http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2014/02/09/more-moyes-misery-as-united-is-held-by-fulham/5351675/?

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How Rene Meulensteen stunned his former employers

M.E.N. Sport looks at the tactics of the two managers as United are held 2-2 by Fulham at Old Trafford


Manchester United manager David Moyes (left) shakes hands with Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen before kick-off during the Barclays Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo.

David Moyes elected to go 4-4-2, with Juan Mata given the license to drift in off the right flank and interchange with Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie.

While fortress Old Trafford has been far from impregnable recently, any suggestions that Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen was going to attempt to take the game to his former employers were quickly dismissed as he adopted a stifling 4-5-1 formation at kick-off.

The Dutchman also sprang a surprise by including Dan Burn, Ryan Tunnicliffe (a recent acquisition from United) and Muamer Tankovic ahead of experienced trio Brede Hangeland, Scott Parker and Darren Bent.

First-half: Camped in Fulham territory, the Reds forced their opponents to revert to a 4-6-0 to combat attack after attack. However, on their first foray forward the visitors took the lead as Steve Sidwell side-footed the ball past David De Gea.

Meulensteen continued to ask his players to defend deep and spring forward with pace whenever they can and United are nearly caught out again as Kieran Richardson blasted over from close range on 37 minutes.

Second-half: Moyes introduced Adnan Janujaz, Antonio Valencia and Javier Hernandez as the Reds lay siege to the Fulham goal in an almost 1950s style 2-3-5. Goals from van Persie and Carrick appeared to end Fulham's spirited resistance. Then, deep in injury time, substitute Darren Bent popped up with an equaliser.



http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/moyes-v-meulensteen-how-rene-6689057?

[WhiteJC]

 
'As Bad As It Gets' - Manchester United's Draw Against A Determined Fulham In Numbers

Manchester United haven't had the best of season's so far under new boss and 'chosen one' David Moyes, but even fans of the Old Trafford side would have been forgiven for thinking a match at home to rock bottom Fulham would yield nothing but a victory.

So of course, it came as no surprise that this was not to be the case, as a peculiar game in which United dominated the statistics ended in a 2-2 draw, courtesy of a Darren Bent header ironically in 'Fergie time'. Leaving Moyes' Boys facing the increasingly real prospect of no European football in the red half of Manchester, something which hasn't happened since the ban on English clubs competing in Europe was lifted in 1990.

Moyes' seemed somewhat perplexed during his post-match interview, asking what more do United need to do to win a game of football. But judging from comments on various social media sites, namely Twitter, crossing the ball into a crowded opposition box isn't the answer. Michael Carrick, who scored United's second goal, a goal that many thought would win the match was also understandably disappointed, telling MUTV:

"It's a tough one to take,

"It's hard to explain how we've only come away with a point. It was an incredible game, so one-sided."

As mentioned above, the sheer amount of crosses Manchester United made against Fulham (more than any other team in the top 5 European League's this season) has been a major talking point. The Reds managed to pump in an astonishing 81 crosses, with only 18 reaching a team mate, which is a fairly poor conversion rate in anyone's books. This stat also suggests that Moyes had no Plan B against Fulham, which may raise questions about the Scott's tactical astuteness.

United bossed possession against the London side, though, with 65% overall compared to Fulham's 35%. The Red Devils also managed an impressive 92% pass completion rate whilst totting up 9 shots on target, 13 off target whilst Fulham managed just 5 in both of those categories combined. Astonishingly Meulensteen's men also made 92 (yes, NINETY-TWO) clearances, leaving United frustrated to say the least.

The statistics show United should have beaten Fulham hands down, but the fact that they didn't shows that there is indeed work to be done at the Theatre of Dreams. But with many fans who were willing to give Moyes the benefit of the doubt now running out of patience, the writing may be on the wall for Ferguson's replacement. This season is already a write off, but the thought of enduring another season of poor quality football and even poorer results will not sit well with all involved with a club of United's stature, meaning a decision may be made sooner rather than later to take this giant of the footballing world down a different path, that will lead it back to glory.


http://www.sport.co.uk/football/as-bad-as-it-gets-manchester-uniteds-draw-against-a-de/4603485/?

[WhiteJC]

 
Old Trafford draw gives us a base, says Meulensteen

Rene Meulensteen is hoping Sunday's dramatic 2-2 draw at Manchester United can prove a turning point for his struggling Fulham side.

Head coach Meulensteen saw Fulham, who sit bottom of the Premier League, lead for much of the game at Old Trafford through Steve Sidwell's 19th-minute volley.

Late goals from Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick looked to have rewarded United for their dominance of possession and territory.

Yet Fulham hit back in sensational fashion, equalising in the fourth minute of injury time through Darren Bent to secure an unlikely point.

Meulensteen's men host in-form Liverpool on Wednesday, but can now approach that daunting fixture with renewed belief.

"We have got a massive one ahead of us. But hopefully this gives us a good base to kick on," said Meulensteen.

"That's why these players want to play in the Premier League - for these sort of games.

"It's the most exciting league. If you have to come up to the big boys, you have to elevate yourself. You have to step up for it.

"Everybody, no matter where you are in the Premier League, you have got a challenge to play for."

Centre-half Dan Burn shone against United, making a succession of clearances as United peppered Fulham with crosses.

"Since we brought Dan Burn back from his Birmingham loan spell, he's done ever so well," Meulensteen added, before explaining his decision to include the 21-year-old along with fellow youngsters Muamer Tankovic and Ryan Tunnicliffe.

"It's important in the Premier League, if you want to be successful, you need energy and quality.

"That's why we chose some of the younger lads because you know it's a big pitch, big distances to cover.

"Their (United's) game plan was quite straightforward. It was get it wide, get it in. We defended it well.

"If you're well organised and the goalkeeper is in good positions, then it can be easy. You need creativity, variety to open them (opposition teams) up."



http://uk.soccerway.com/news/2014/February/10/old-trafford-draw-gives-us-a-base-says-meulensteen/?

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Bent: We Can Kick On

Fresh from scoring his injury-time equaliser in the 2-2 at Old Trafford, Darren Bent believes the team can kick on and build on their positive performance against Manchester United.

Bent: We Can Kick On


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/february/10/bent-reaction

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Tactics Board: Burn extinguishes United firepower

MANCHESTER UNITED 2-2 FULHAM

Manchester United produced a record-breaking performance. Unfortunately for them, the record they broke -- for delivering the most crosses in the space of 90 minutes since those statistics began to be compiled -- was not the most significant landmark. Especially as many of them found the head of one man: Fulham centre-back Dan Burn.


Other / ESPN Stats & Information
A scatter chart showing Dan Burn's clearances on Sunday show how his height helped Fulham repel United's attacks.

A map of Burn's clearances shows the 22-year-old barely needed to move. He made 22 in total, invariably from between six and 16 yards of his own goal. It shows how deeply Fulham defended. It also indicates that United failed to learn the lessons of putting the ball into a zone where Burn was dominant. At 6-foot-6, he is four inches taller than Robin van Persie, one United striker, and towers nine inches above two more, Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez. It was logical Burn would win plenty of headers and, sure enough, he did. It offers a model for other underdogs at Old Trafford who are wondering how to defend and indicates how United need to find an alternative method of attacking.


http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/tacticsandanalysis/id/2607?&cc=5739