Louis Saha gave Manchester United an almighty scare as he fired newly-promoted Fulham into the lead twice at Old Trafford only for Ruud van Nistelrooy to eventually secure all three points for the champions by bagging a brace in the space of two second half minutes.
The Dutch striker’s addition to his Charity Shield strike last week came at just the right time as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side looked in serious danger of being humbled as Fulham look every inch a top flight team in their first match at this level for 33 years. Far from being overawed by featuring amongst English football’s elite, Jean Tigana’s side relished the opportunity to strut their stuff at the Theatre of Dreams and showed they were not here to make up the numbers by going ahead inside five minutes.
Sean Davis became the first man to feature in all four divisions for Fulham and left an indelible mark on this contest by floating a fabulous ball over a flat United defence. Saha showcased the explosive pace that terrified First Division defenders last season and deftly chipped the advancing Fabian Barthez to give the visitors a dream start. Such was United’s discomfort that Ferguson was forced into an early substitution, hauling off Phil Neville for Andy Cole ten minutes before half time as the hosts struggled to make an impact.
They were fortunate to draw level immediately afterwards. Peter Jones gave a free kick for what looked like a fair challenge by Steve Finnan on Ryan Giggs – affording David Beckham an opportunity to demonstrate his dead-ball prowess. The England international curled a sensational equaliser in off the underside of the crossbar from 25 yards – much to Fulham’s fury. But the visitors weren’t subdued by the controversy. They could have retaken the lead before the break with Barthez saving from a Saha header and then blocking Barry Hayles’ shot with his feet.
Tigana’s men did regain the lead three minutes after half time. The energetic Steed Malbranque placed a superb pass behind the United back line for Saha, who accelerated away from Jaap Stam and tucked another assured finish past Barthez. But this time their lead lasted only five minutes. Van Nistelrooy, who had to wait a year for his move to Manchester after suffering a serious knee injury, grabbed his first goal at Old Trafford by steering Cole’s overhead kick past van der Sar to make it 2-2.
Barely two minutes later, van Nistelrooy fired United ahead. Denis Irwin’s cross bounced off Hayles and bobbled around the six-yard box. The Dutchman reacted quickest and smashed in what proved to be the winner – making him an instant hero to the home fans. Substitute Luke Chadwick might easily have had a penalty after being brought by Alain Goma, but in truth even a narrow defeat felt hard on Fulham – who had pushed Ferguson’s men all the way. Tigana, a fierce perfectionist, won’t admit it – but there was plenty to be proud of here.
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-4-1-1): Barthez; G. Neville, Irwin, Stam, Silvestre; P. Neville (Cole 35), Scholes, Beckham, Giggs; Veron (Brown 80); van Nistelrooy (Chadwick 77). Subs (not used): Carroll, Solskjaer.
GOALS: Beckham (35), van Nistelrooy (51, 53).
FULHAM (4-4-2): van der Sar; Finnan, Harley, Goma, Melville; Davis, Collins, Goldbaek (Stolcers 79), Malbranque (Ouaddoh 88); Saha, Hayles (Betsy 84). Subs (not used): Taylor, Symons.
BOOKED: Goma.
GOALS: Saha (4, 48).
REFEREE: Peter Jones (Loughborough).
ATTENDANCE: 67,534
