Premier league half time report: Fulham Vs Manchester United (0-1)
Fulham take on the 18 time premier league champions Manchester United in this second fixture of the Barclay’s premier league. Manchester United have tasted defeat twice in 9 months while away to Fulham, which would be the hosts main advantage over the visitors. However, much has changed as Mark Hughes has replaced Roy Hodgson at the helm and takes charge of his first home league game.
The main team news for United is that star striker Wayne Rooney will not play any part of this encounter, owing to a stomach upset. This paves the way for Javier Hernandez, who makes his first league start for the Red Devils. The Mexican has been impressive since returning from the World Cup, scoring almost at will. The player would be expected to fill the huge boots of Wayne Rooney, who is not expected to play any part of this crucial encounter. Park Ji Sung replaces in form Nani on the left wing as the South Korean captain has a habit of playing well at Craven Cottage.
Starting XI for Fulham: Gk Stockdale, Panstill, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Duff, Murphy, Etuhu, Davies, Dempsey, Zamora. Subs: Zuberbuhler, Kelly, Baird, Gera, Riise, Greening, Dembele
Starting XI for Manchester United: Gk Van Der Sar, O’Shea, Evans, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Fletcher, Scholes, Park, Berbatov, Hernandez. Subs: Kuszczak, Rafael, Smalling, Carrick, Giggs, Nani, Owen.
Manchester United would be looking to match the scores rivals Chelsea and Arsenal managed on the weekend. Both the teams thrashed the opposition 6-0 each and that is exactly what United would be looking to do, in an attempt to keep on the title race from the very start. Javier Hernandez is seen praying before the kick off as this is his first league start for Manchester United. Both the teams were wearing home colours, as Fulham wore the traditional black and white while the Devils employed the conventional Red and white.
A good start to the game by Manchester United, who seemed to control most of the possession in the opening exchanges. An early goal by veteran Paul Scholes from a distance took the Red Devils to an early lead. The 35 year old became only the 10th man in United’ history to register 150 goals, as that specific goal was goal number 150th. What a season this midfielder is having. He has already made two assists and now one goal in the opening two fixtures of the premier league.
Fulham had a weak start to the opening half, as the team looked like chasers rather than the controllers of the game. At the 12 minute mark, United controlled 70 percent of possession, giving a clear indication of their intentions. A wonderful double save from Van Der Sar, denying Etuhu the chance to equalize. The 39 year old managed to save the second shot while sitting. At half time, Manchester United are comfortably in front, thanks to the long distance goal by Paul Scholes. Fulham would have to improve drastically if they are to challenge the might of the Red Devils in the second half.
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