Fulham's defensive focus pays off as Bent denies United

Old Trafford was left aghast on Sunday as Manchester United looked to have claimed a once-trademark comeback victory before Fulham snatched a point at the death to deal another hammer blow to David Moyes’ hopes of steering the Red Devils into the Premier League’s top four.

Fulham deserve credit for arriving at Old Trafford with a clear game plan – and that to sit remarkably deep and seek to threaten United on the break.

It was a strategy that paid dividends in an intriguing but frustrating contest. Whilst United enjoyed significant spells of pressure, Fulham defended heroically; throwing bodies on the line and denying the Red Devils time and time again.

It was the away side that broke the deadlock on 19 minutes through Steve Sidwell. United failed to track the midfielder’s run and he sent the travelling fans into raptures as he volleyed home a pass from Lewis Holtby.

Roared on by the home crowd, with noise levels boosted by the return of the ‘Singing Section’, United peppered Fulham’s penalty box with crosses as a number of opportunities were scuppered.

Despite dominating much of the play, however, Fulham retained a dangerous streak on the counter-attack and ex-Red Kieran Richardson surged the length of the pitch but couldn’t hit the target with the goal at his mercy after picking up Muamer Tankovic‘s pass.

The game continued in a similar trend after half-time – with United dominating play, throwing crosses into the box but being frustrated by Fulham’s dogged defensive display. With the Cottagers almost out on their feet, however, their stubborn resistance finally yielded on 78 minutes as RVP turned home Juan Mata’s pass from close range.

From there, with 12 minutes still remaining, a home win looked the likely outcome – and United seized the advantage only moments later as Michel Carrick’s long-range, deflected effort hit the net to scenes of relief from the Old Trafford faithful. It was the sort of quick-fore comeback that the Red Devils, over the years, have been famed for. 

That, it seemed, was ‘game, set and match’, with United on the verge of securing a third home league win on the bounce.

However, there was one final twist as United’s stuttering campaign suffered another blow. 'Keeper David De parried a Richardson effort into the air and England international Darren Bent calmly nodding the ball home to ensure Rene Meulensteen picked up a valuable point for Fulham on his return to Old Trafford.

Full Time – Manchester United 2-2 Fulham
Attendance – 74,966