Manchester United vs Fulham
26th January 2013
17:30
FA Cup 4th Round
Old Trafford
Rooney 50'
Picture: The Guardian
You would
imagine the last words of any opposing manager on a trip to Old Trafford before
kick off would be 'do not concede early'. The game was only 40 seconds old when
Steve Sidwell's hospital pass allowed Wayne Rooney to break into the box and
draw a corner which led to a quick-fire Manchester United penalty. Aaron Hughes
unquestionably handling in the box, Mark Clattenberg thought about it
momentarily before pointing to the spot. The most experienced man on the pitch
Ryan Giggs converted a rare penalty, despite giving Schwarzer a sniff with both
hands, the Australian was unable to keep it out.
Martin
Jol must have been livid with his team, as they continued to give away much
needed possession in the midfield.
After a
quarter of an hour Riise miscued a clearance allowing Nani in behind the Fulham
defence, only to produce a typically tame shot to Schwarzer's near post, which
was comfortably saved. Moments like these justify United's desire to strengthen
on the wing, highlighted by the recent acquisition of Wilfred Zaha.
Damien
Duff then handled again in the Fulham box, and although even more blatant
than the early penalty, Clattenberg somehow managed to give a corner,
indicating that he thought the ball had come off Duff's shoulder. From the
resulting corner, Nani fired a great ball across the box to Wayne Rooney, who
shot on the swivel from 8 yards out, only to be thwarted by the Aussie stopper.
With a
quarter of the game gone it was all one way traffic, Nani missing two chances
in as many minutes, and on both occasions frustrating his team mates who were
better placed.
The
Fulham goal continued to be peppered, the United players comfortable on the ball
with little pressure being applied by their lacklustre visitors. Despite the
ongoing pressure United weren't clinical enough in front of goal, foregoing
their chances to put the the tie to bed early.
At the
other end, Ruiz found a yard of space in the final third, but his threaded pass
was met with the linesman's flag. Shortly after Carrick was caught in
possession by Ruiz who's pass this time wasn't accurate.
A few
wonderful touches from the ex-united man Berbatov brought about a Fulham attack
which resulted in Riether firing across De Gea's goal from 25 yards out,
skidding past the far post.
Fulham
showed signs of improvement the more they got Ruiz involved, and must have been
grateful to still be in the tie. However they continually gave possession away
cheaply, and we're fortunate not to concede a free kick on the edge of their
area when Sidwell seemingly brought down Giggs from behind.
The Old
Trafford faithful became increasingly frustrated with Nani, the Portuguese
winger missing chance after chance to deliver the final ball.
On the
stroke of half time there was a shout for a Fulham penalty from their first
corner, as Chris Smalling seemingly bundled Sidwell to the ground. On another
day it might have been given, but it would have been a miracle if Fulham had
come in level. At half time it had
been a pretty poor affair by all accounts, Fulham hardly threatening to worry
De Gea, and United showing a surprising lack of ruthlessness in front of goal.
Mark
Schwarzer came out onto the pitch during half time to get warm, that says it
all.
The
second half started frantically, Berbatov blazing over the bar, then at the
other end Rooney was denied by Aaron Hughes on the line, the Ulsterman somewhat
making amends for giving away the early penalty. The defender again called into
action moments later, stopping Nani from getting a shot on target in the box.
It was
only five minutes into the second half when Rooney surely put the game out of
the Londoner's reach, turning the defence inside out and finishing with aplomb
to bring up his 10th goal of the campaign.
Minutes
later, Rooney and Nani forced a way through the hapless Fulham defence to find
Hernandez, the diminutive Mexican smashing it in for a comfortable 3-0 lead.
Chicharito performing a novel interpretation of an Irish Jig to celebrate. The
floodgates it would appear were finally open.
On the
hour mark Michael Carrick was replaced by one of Manchester United's greatest
players in Paul Scholes. Given Carrick's performances this season, it was a luxury
for Ferguson to be able to take him off with the game all but won.
There was
to be no repeat performance of Chicharito's dance as he was almost sheepish in
celebration of his second, his shot deflecting off Hughes and into the onion
bag. The seemingly absent Fulham were perhaps left wondering whether the 'Cat
and Fiddle' pass would be closed due to bad weather for their long trip home.
United
inevitably took their foot off the gas, and the ever involved Aaron Hughes
emphatically headed in a corner for what was little more than a consolation
goal.
In the
final ten Rooney had it in the net for a fifth, only to see it cancelled out by
a soft decision, Clattenberg adjudging Hernandez to have fouled in the build
up, though replays showed it to be harsh.
Nevertheless,
it was all academic as United cruised into the fifth round draw 4-1 victors. It
was as easier game as you'll have in the FA Cup, with Fulham failing to turn
up. United rarely had to get out of first gear, Robin van Persie's evening
spent wrapped up on the bench a testament to this. Whilst the visitors leave
Manchester with much to mull over, United will be pleased to still be in the
mix for a trophy they haven't won for 9 years.
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