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neo-painkillerz Post at 20-12-2009 10:30 AM
Was not stretched at all by Manchester United. Warmed his hands on a chilly evening by comfortably saving a few speculative efforts from Wayne Rooney and Darron Gibson
Brede Hangeland - 7.5
Closed ranks effectively once Fulham were two up early in the second half. Was alert to any attempted cute passes from midfield and shackled the sparkling Dimitar Berbatov quite well.
Aaron Hughes - 7
Another defensive hero for the Cottagers. Shut out Rooney so effectively that the latter barely stepped into the Fulham penalty box.
Paul Konchesky - 6.5
Caught the eye more going forward. His massive presence going forward was an asset to a Fulham team looking to take the attack to a superior opposition. Dealt well with Darron Gibson who was looking to cut in from the right to unleash his thunderbolts.
John Pantsil - 5.5
Offered nothing going forward but was immense at the abck, booting away balls with a ferocity which made it seem as if he has a serious objection to round objects. Helped Fulham boss the midfield.
Chris Baird - 7.5
Was the fulcrum of most Fulham attacks. His passing was sublime at times and vision to pick runs by the likes of Bobby Zamora and Zolton Gera was astonishing.
Danny Murphy - 6.5
United's tormentor returned to peg the champions back with a precision strike that left the United custodian sprawling. Did misplace numerous passes which could have proved costly against a United outfit on song. Fortunately, this outfit was not.
Clint Dempsey - 7.5
Had a hand in Fulham's crucial second goal - his cushioned header allowed Zamora to smash it in on the half-volley. Was patient in possession and found the right man more often than not with his passes.
Damien Duff - 7
Looked weary in the first half and did not cause United too many problems. Was all over their defence like a rash in the second half which culminated in a brilliant left foot finish.
Zoltan Gera - 8.5
Might not be too much of a stretch to say that Gera forms one of the most threatening striking partnerships along with Bobby Zamora in the Premier League today. Deserved a goal for his superb effort on the night, but was denied by a brilliant Tomasz Kuszczak save.
Bobby Zamora - 9.5
A near perfect performance by a striker in red hot form. The United backline just could not deal with his physicality and threat in the air. Created one goal and scored another one as Fulham ran riot at the Cottage.
Substitutes
Jonathan Greening
Fitted in well with Fulham's plans in the last 20 mintues, which was to hang back and absorb all the pressure that United could muster.
Kagisho Dikgacoi - n.a
Erik Nevland - n.a
Manchester United
Tomasz Kuszczak - 5
Made a superb point blank save from Gera early in the match but should have done better with the Murphy strike. Was assured in collection and let go the ball quickly to send United forward.
Patrice Evra - 6
The only defender who played like one for United. His play both on and off the ball was very good indeed and in the company of better players, surely would have made a bigger impact.
Michael Carrick - 2.5
Looked completely out of place at the back of defence against a Fulham team full of attacking intent. Backed away from Murphy when he should have been looking to cut down his angle. United will be serious trouble if they continue to play him at the back.
Ritchie De Laet -2
Looked out of depth amongst the big boys of the Premier League. Gave away numerous free-kicks in dangerous areas with some nervous defending. Gera and Zamora ran roughshod over him in open play.
Darren Fletcher - 4.5
Also looked out of depth on the right, failing to deal with high balls and quick passes. Could not find the usual range on his passes and his work-rate going forward left much to be desired.
Anderson - 3.5
Missed two brilliant shooting opportunities which might well have sparked a United victory.
Darron Gibson 4
Did not have his shooting boots on today. Did not realise it for the entire time he was on the pitch. Opted to go for some fantastic shots when a pass would have been better. Rooney could have killed him on a couple of occasions.
Put in one of the shabbiest performances in recent memory. Was caught in possession by Danny Murphy which led to the first goal. Misplaced almost every pass that was more than 5 yards, and picked up an early yellow card which meant he was a spent force defensively for much of the game.
Wayne Rooney - 6
Industrious as usual. Ineffective, unusually so. Rooney was starved of service by his compatriots and was reduced to wrathful glares. Made a few attempts on goal from outside the box, most of which ended up in the second tier.
Antonio Valencia - 4
Seemed full of fire early on but was brought under control by the likes of Baird and Konchesky soon enough.
Michael Owen - 3
Wins the prize for Mr. Anonymous of the Match. Showed why Ferguson uses him as an imapct striker. Was barely involved in the game and made way for Berbatov early in the second half.
Substitues
Fabio - 5
Did a much better job than De Laet down the left but was not great going forward.
Dimitar Berbatov - 7
When Berbatov came on, it looked like this would be another United renaissance. He hoodwinked defenders, flicked balls onto the path of onrushing players and generally looked like the guy who could make it happen for United. And he might well have had he started the game. Something for Ferguson to chew on.
Danny Wellback - 5.5
Showed good enthusiasm but miscontrolled balls highlighted that he is not the finished product quite yet.
Post time 20-12-2009 08:04 AM
