Date: 22nd December 2011 at 11:13am
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Welbeck celebrates his opener with the MOTM

Welbeck celebrates his opener with the MOTM

Manchester United’s recent improvements in their attacking edge were confirmed in a 5-0 rout at Craven Cottage against Fulham.

Despite a more than comfortable win there was still bad news for United as Phil Jones had to be taken off injured early on after a clash with Clint Dempsey’s elbow left him wondering where he was and in need of an x-ray.

Jones’ replacement, Ashley Young, also had to be taken off injured after suffering a heavy challenge from Dickson Etuhu.

However there was plenty of good news for United as they recorded a much needed big win by improving on the 2-0 weekend win over Queens Park Rangers to score five and keep the pressure on rivals Manchester City.

It only took United five minutes to go ahead as Danny Welbeck scored from Nani’s cross. Nani himself then bagged one before Giggs added a third. Wayne Rooney continued his goal scoring form as he made it 4-0 with substitute Dimitar Berbatov ending the scoring in the last minutes.

A very impressive attacking display was fuelled by the very much in-form Nani who proved to be a constant danger for a Fulham side who failed to contain him, and were subsequently punished for it.

The winger created the first goal with his run down the left side, not letting a single Fulham player get close enough to challenge him, before sliding the ball into the box to plate up the chance for Welbeck perfectly.

Nani played his part in winning the corner from which he scored. He ran the ball down the opposite wing this time before using clever feet to drag the ball back, losing his marker and giving himself time, he teed Welbeck up again whose shot took a deflection out for a corner.

The corner that followed saw Nani rise well to head Giggs’ cross across the face of goal and into the back of the Fulham net.

Nani got himself another assist when he ran the ball forward, through the Fulham defence, into the area then taking his time before picking out Giggs whose shot took a deflection to dip over Stockdale in the Fulham net.

Nani was a constant threat and provided United with many chances, including a slipped pass through the Fulham back line which Welbeck should probably have scored. He then played the ball into the box for Valencia to cross for Berbatov to coolly finish with a back-heel.

A great performance from United was complimented with a great individual performance from Nani. The winger was a constant threat leading to him grabbing a goal and two assists as he took advantage of Fulham’s poor defensive display.

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