United Put Down a Marker

Sir Alex Ferguson could scarcely have imagined a more perfect start to the Premiership season, as his Manchester United side stormed into a 4-0 lead against Fulham in less than 20 minutes.

It took them just 7 minutes to grab the first. Rooney’s headed flick found Giggs wide on the left and his cross was met by Saha, who registered his third goal against his former club. A few minutes later it was Saha’s turn to act as provider and Rooney’s shot from his cross flew in off Ian Pearce, then in the 15th minute Gary Neville crossed from the right, Saha’s shot was brilliantly palmed out by Niemi and Rooney ran the ball in. Three minutes after that, Rooney created the fourth goal – a powerful half-volley from Ronaldo. It could easily have been five before half time but Paul Scholes’ low drive hit the post and six minutes before the interval Fulham surprisingly reduced the deficit when Helguson’s shot from Bullard’s pass struck Rio Ferdinand and looped over the stranded Van der Saar.

Inevitably, Fulham boss Chris Coleman’s half time talk produced a more competitive game, in which the away side applied greater pressure and made more challenges, which they urgently needed to do in view of their failure to keep the ball, but they were unable to prevent United scoring a spectacular fifth as Wes Brown’s fizzing low cross was buried by Rooney in the 63rd minute. Six minutes later it might have been six, but Ronaldo’s shot from Rooney’s wonderful through ball went narrowly wide.

On the evidence of this performance, Manchester United are more than capable of mounting a serious challenge for Chelsea’s Premiership title. They absolutely dominated possession and battered Fulham with their crisp first time passing, imaginative movement and accurate finishing. All they need now is consistency, freedom from injuries and Owen Hargreaves.