Manchester United played exceptionally well yesterday and were equally matched by Fulham for most bits barring the clinical finishing.
Let’s analyse how the teams fared on different aspects of the game.
Defensive Barricade:
Fulham were at times poor and left out cold with United Intrinsic passing . Man United on the other hand were aware and alert of all looming dangers this aspect symbolized by two goal line clearances by Rafael & Van Persie.
On the wing back front Riise had another brilliant game , Kept Valencia quiet for most bits. Reither on the other hand had a disaster and was at fault for the goal, not tracking Rooney’s run was an absolute sin.
De Gea made a world class stop in the first half and beyond which he had to make regular stops, Schwarzer was brilliant as expected right from the word go made a sensational stop from the first corner.
Midfield Battle:
Carrick and Cleverly at the Centre of United Mid field was absolutely sensational in terms of the ‘eye of needle’ pass and defensive duties. When Rio , Evra or Rafael went for walk about in the Fulham half, Carrick was tracking their respective positions and covering up the space.
United’s Wingers Nani & Valencia were decent but not up to the marks expected from them in United Shirt. Both the wingers have been struggling for form and both had decent games but the quality must improve if they want to have permanent spot up front.
Duff, Karagounis and Baird all put in engine room shift, When Emanuelson replaced the Greek the effect was put in the midfield as the possession stats dipped. Baird had some wild attempts on goal from free kicks.
Dejagah was handful for Evra both in the offensive front & defensive front helping Reither at most times.
Strikers Battle:
There is a clear winner here and the man is Wayne Rooney, Wazza has hit purple patch and the sublime finish reflected the class & quality involved. Rooney rattled Fulham bar a couple of times. RVP was busy and involved in lot of ‘one twos’ with Rooney and the wingers.
Chicarito was effective and handful for Senderos and Hughes, United’s strike force at times were selfish and if they had their heads up looking for one another in the 6 yard box. Man United may have won with wider goal margin.
Ruiz was decent but was lethargic on the ball and his own fans were annoyed with time taken on ball. Rodallega on the other hand was poor & the last free kick symbolized the poor game the Columbian had.
Ratings for Fulham:
Schwarzer[8], Riether[6], Hangeland[6], Senderos[7], Riise[7], Duff[7], Karagounis[7], Baird[7], Dejagah[7] , Ruiz[7], Rodallega[5].
Subs —–> Emanuelson[5] , Hughes[6] , Petric[6]
Ratings for Manchester United:
De Gea[8], Da Silva[7], Ferdinand[7], Evans[7], Evra[7], Valencia [6], Cleverley [7], Carrick[8], Nani[6], Rooney[10], van Persie[8]
Subs —–> Hernandez[7] , Giggs[7] , Welbeck[6]
Game Changer: Rooney
Watch the highlights of the game
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