The writing was on the wall, or perhaps not. It was an occasion of fond remembrance at Old Trafford as poignant scenes of the beloved but departed Busby Babes themed the game. And it wasn’t at all touching for the Old Trafford faithful at the full-time whistle as Manchester United’s home debacles continued; and went down to a whole new level. Everybody expects a home win against the table-proppers, but Fulham and Rene Meulensteen had other ideas in mind. It was a return to Old Trafford for the Fulham manager, who worked for years alongside the now-retired Alex Ferguson who was spotted in the stands with Bobby Charlton. And the script which was so Fergie-esque was torn apart by a certain Darren Bent, the England striker who would now probably feature in the last pages of Roy Hodgson’s player pool of England. It was a tale of two scenes, one of joy and the other of frustration. Wayne Rooney fell on his knees when United completed a comeback of sorts but when Bent struck late in added time, David de Gea was the man on his knees, clutching the ball and eyes towards the heaven.
TEAMSHEETS AND GAMEPLAN
David Moyes left his young protégé Adnan Januzaj on the bench, instead opting for the somewhat in-form Ashley Young on the left. The names of Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie brought the loudest cheers when announced on the PA; and it looked like the days of old as Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher started in midfield. Perhaps Moyes didn’t have one eye on the big midweek Arsenal game, as he fielded a full-strength side against basement club Fulham. Nemanja Vidic announced his impending departure from United last week, but he was again the man with the armband as he led a defense of Patrice Evra, Chris Smalling and Rafael.
Fulham came with only one thing in mind; to play rudderless football with little to no emphasis on attack. Record signing Kostas Mitroglou wasn’t even on the bench, and Bent was among the subs as Meulensteen went for only one upfront in newcomer Maumer Tankovic. New signings William Kvist and Lewis Holtby started, while the workmanlike Steve Sidwell was the midfield general flanked by United old boys Keiran Richardson and Ryan Tunnicliffe. John Heitinga was a free signing from Everton and he started alongside young Dan Burn who has remarkably managed to keep club captain Brede Hangeland out of the side. John Arne Riise has some famous Manchester United memories during his time with Liverpool and he started on the left side of defense while Sascha Reither was the right back.
THE GAME
Manchester United aren’t the Manchester United of old. They look like a pub team if you compare their start to Liverpool’s whirlwind one against Arsenal. Cagey opening period meant lots and lots of pressure-soaking by Fulham who were hell bent on frustrating Rooney and co. And as if Old Trafford leaks goals out of nowhere, Steve Sidwell gave the visitors the lead as early as in the 19th minute. Early because Fulham rarely score first, and that too being in the home of the champions carries extra weight. Stunned silence followed, and boos rang out as the half wore on.
Second half started with a few changes from Moyes, but his frustrations never hid as he had to wait till the 78th minute to find some semblance of response from his players. Fortuitous it was as Robin van Persie tapped home a Juan Mata cross, and excitement turned into delirium as Michael Carrick made it two goals in two minute in a typical United fight back. The fans could’ve been forgiven for thinking it was all over until Bent intervened.
It was all looking easy for United; they even contrived to miss some easy chances, especially Juan Mata and Van Persie. But the hammer blow came in the 94th minute, late into stoppage time, the now-erstwhile Fergie-time. Steve Sidwell showed remarkable desire and ambition as he robbed Carrick and spread it to Richardson who shot at De Gea with brute force and blood in his eyes. As expert a shot-stopper as De Gea may be, but his parried save fell kindly for the lurking Bent who tapped home with his head to the angst of the fans.
United slip further behind fourth placed Liverpool with the big Arsenal game on the horizon, while Fulham stay rock-bottom; although a point at Old Trafford is a priceless commodity. Rene Meulensteen talked about taking tips from Ferguson; and Ferguson would’ve bemoaned his kind gesture now. A night that started in hope ended in sheer disbelief. David Moyes is feeling the pressure and it could well be time that some serious decisions are taken.
