MUFC march on in FA Cup after sweeping aside Fulham

Manchester United secured safe passage into the fifth round of the FA Cup with an excellent 4-1 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford. Goals from Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and a brace from Javier Hernandez ensured a comfortable win for the Red Devils in Saturday's teatime kick-off.

Sir Alex Ferguson left Robin van Persie on the bench - and Rooney and Hernandez took advantage, grabbing three of United's four goals as a ruthless attacking display from the hosts paid dividends.

United got off to a fantastic start as they won a penalty after 72 seconds! Aaron Hughes handled Rooney's corner and referee Mark Clattenburg pointed to the spot.

Following his miss in the third round replay against West Ham, Rooney stepped aside and Giggs slotted the ball home, though Mark Schwarzer guessed the right way and got a hand to the shot.

Rooney went close either side of the interval before doubling United's lead in style. The England frontman latched onto Anderson's through ball, tricked the Cottagers defence with a fine dummy and fired a powerful shot into the back of the net.

Fulham were starting to struggle - and any lingering doubts about the result were put to bed as Hernandez added two goals for United. 

The Mexican turned home a Rooney cross before securing a brace thanks to a deflection. His two goals took his tally to the season to 14 strikes, as his fine season continues despite facing stiff competition for a regular starting berth in United's XI.

Martin Jol's visitors gained some consolation with 77 minutes on the clock. Ulsterman Hughes met a Damien Duff corner with a near-post header to give the travelling London outfit something to cheer - but ultimately it was disappointment for Dimitar Berbarov and his Fulham team-mates.

United now look ahead to the fifth round draw, as the hunt for silverware continues on three fronts.