Uninspired: The Tale of Manchester United v Fulham

Manchester United escaped with a 3-2 victory over Fulham today in Old Trafford. Add a handful more key reaction saves to David DeGea's record with United as he was under fire early and often. Outside of a seven minute period in the first half, United looked out-manned. A result is a result however and at the end of the season this will not be one of the games that people are talking about as a potential season turner one way or the other. Unless of course Wayne Rooney's gash turns out to be more serious that the month long time off he will apparently need. On a positive note both Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa (who after one and a half games became my favorite Red Devil) scored their first goals for United and did it in front of the home crowd. Videos at bottom of post.

David DeGea: Almost an identical performance to his first game. Very good with the reaction saves, terrible on crosses. Both him and Vidic were at fault for the own goal that brought Fulham within one.

Rafael Da Silva: Started at right back today mostly due to the fact that Nani made it painfully obvious against Everton that Valencia needed to be moved up front. He played very well pushing forward. He had one goal called off on a questionable offside call but put one in the back of the net just minutes later to atone. Found himself out of position at times per the usual and also lunged in on too many tackles, per the usual.

Michael Carrick: Performed admirably again in his fill in roll at center back. The issue is teams in the top half of the league will tear him apart if he continues to play out of position. He looks to be United's center back for at least two more games (Southampton (A), Wigan (H)) .

Nemanja Vidic: After an impressive first game back after knee surgery, Vidic looked much more like a man who hasn't played in almost a year. He seemed unsure on the ball and found himself bodied by a much smaller Mladen Petric on the own goal. It was a scorpion-kick for a goal though which not many players can say they have done.

Patrice Evra: Ever the liability. He pushes forward, but mostly in nonthreatening ways. He finds himself not only out of position on defense, but easily skirted when in position. It's exhausting watching him play. He did assist on van Persie's wonder goal however.

Antonio Valencia: Moved up to his more natural position in the right of United's midfield Valencia had a solid game. He put in a lot of dangerous crosses and him and Rafael seem to be developing some cohesion rather nicely.

Anderson: Impressive today. He controlled the ball well, made good decisions, and generally was wherever he was needed on the pitch. For how chunky he seems to be the guy has an engine on him. He provided a much needed spark that was missing from the United midfield against Everton.

Tom Cleverley: Rather underwhelming. He didn't hurt United and while he worked tirelessly, again it seemed to be a lot of wasted effort. He made some good decisions and some not-so-good ones. It seems like it'll take a bit of time for United's midfield to gel.

Shinji Kagawa: Quite simply... the man. I said in a previous article that Kagawa may take over as the engine in the Manchester United attack. With Wayne Rooney out for a month it could very well happen sooner than later. He played positive soccer today and was always looking to set someone up. Was johnny on the spot for his tap in goal (below), his first ever for United.

Ashley Young: He had an amazing start to his United career last season however he played relatively poorly in Euro 12 for England and looks to have carried that over into the season. He just looked off today playing on the left of the midfield and never really threatened to score. His crosses also seem to be off.

Robin van Persie: The 24 million pound man opened his tally sheet today with a blissful strike (below) to even the game early and respond to Fulham's fast start. Overall he played rather well today making positive decisions and working as not only a decoy, but set-up man as well.

Wayne Rooney: Came on for Shinji Kagawa in the 68th minute and quickly was lost for a month. A fluke stamp by one of those Fulham players left a huge gash (seen above) on his leg. Rough start to the season injury-wise for United.

Danny Welbeck: Came on for Ashley Young and wasn't heard from much. It wasn't his fault though as Fulham dominated control for the last 20 minutes of the game, pressing United for the equalizer.

Ryan Giggs: Came on late for United to help settle the game down and maintain possession. It did not work. United as a team were never really able to get their feet under them after the own goal.

Robin van Persie's 1st United Golazo!

Shinji Kagawa's 1st United Goal