United cruise past Fulham to extend league lead
Scholes got United's scoring spree started in the first half
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Wednesday, 18, Feb 2009 11:06
Manchester United have extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points after cruising past Fulham 3-0 at Old Trafford.
Paul Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov gave Alex Ferguson's side a 2-0 advantage at the break before Wayne Rooney marked his return from injury when he scored after coming on as a substitute in the second half.
Fulham were forced on to the back foot from the beginning by a rampant United side, although the Cottagers' defensive set up always suggested that a goal threat was unlikely to come.
That combination meant that United enjoyed the lion's share of possession and territory and they made the most of it during the first 30 minutes.
Despite their early pressure the home side struggled to create any clear cut chances only for Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to hand them their first goal.
Michael Carrick picked out Scholes on the edge of the box with a corner and the midfielder hit a well-timed volley. Schwarzer looked to have covered the shot only for it to spin out of his grasp and trickle over the line.
Bobby Zamora then had a rare chance for the Cottagers but his glancing header went wide of the goal.
Schwarzer's confidence looked like it had taken a knock and he was fortunate not to give away another goal when he dropped Cristiano Ronaldo's cross.
Berbatov had nearly benefitted from Schwarzer's drop but he did not have to wait long before he was on the scoresheet.
United passed the ball around the Fulham defence looking for an opening, Scholes unlocked them with a lofted ball for John O'Shea. The Irishman then crossed for Berbatov who had a simple tap in.
Scholes and Berbatov both went close to adding to United's lead before the break but their shots did not find the target.
In the second half United eased off slightly but continued to keep the ball well and thus Fulham were unable to haul themselves back into the game.
Rooney replaced Berbatov midway through the second period and was soon able to capitalise on a shaky Fulham defence. Ji-Sung Park provided the cross and the England striker finished the move at the far post.
Zamora had another chance for Fulham late on but fired his shot narrowly wide from a tight angle.
The win now puts United five points clear of Liverpool in second place while Aston Villa are a further three points adrift.
Chelsea's hopes of regaining the title appear to be slipping as they are now ten points behind United.