Five-star United thrash Fulham
Cristiano Ronaldo was a constant menace all afternoon against Fulham
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Sunday, 20, Aug 2006 09:35
Manchester United launched their Premiership campaign with a mesmerising first half display in a 5-1 thrashing of Fulham at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils scored four goals in the first 19 minutes as the Cottagers away record now stands at 19 defeats in their last 20 matches.
Wayne Rooney led the way with two goals followed by strikes from Louis Saha and Cristiano Ronaldo and an own goal by Ian Pearce in front of a Premiership record 75,115 attendance.
Chris Coleman's side grabbed a consolation through an own goal by Rio Ferdinand before half time.
Louis Saha began the rout against his former club on seven minutes, heading in from close range following a pinpoint cross from Ryan Giggs on the left.
Saha, who has scored three times against Fulham since leaving Craven Cottage, was involved in the second goal eight minutes later when his low ball was put through his own net by veteran Pearce.
Two minutes later United effectively clinched the game after Rooney tapped in from close range after Anti Niemi had parried Saha's volley.
Rooney put his World Cup row with Ronaldo aside and set up the Portuguese winger on 19 minutes who fired a half volley past Niemi.
Saha continued to haunt his former side and nearly scored his second on 23 minutes but his header was cleared off the line by Liam Rosenior following a corner.
The visitors reduced their deficit five minutes before half time when Heidur Helguson's goal bound shot from outside the area struck Ferdinand and looped over Edwin Van Der Sar.
The only blemish for United was Gary Neville being substituted at half time with a suspected injury with Mikael Silvestre replacing him.
The goal of the match came on 64 minutes with a slick passing move involving Paul Scholes, Ronaldo and Wes Brown with his cross converted by Rooney with a low shot past Niemi.
Ronaldo should have scored United's sixth on 70 minutes when put through by Rooney but sent his shot wide.
United will play London sides in their next two matches this week against Charlton on Wednesday at the Valley followed by Premiership new boys Watford next Saturday.