Premier League: Manchester United 1 Fulham 0

Manchester United moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League table after a 1-0 win over Fulham at Old Trafford.

United peppered the Fulham goal from the outset but did not manage to score until just before half-time through Wayne Rooney.

The Red Devils dominated most of the second half and despite a number of chances were unable able to add to their lead.

Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs tested Mark Schwarzer early, as United dominated proceedings in front of their Old Trafford faithful.

Fulham were not holding back, Kerim Frei and Moussa Dembele looking very lively on the ball, with the latter trying his luck from distance as the visitors overcame their slow start.

Martin Jol’s men slowly worked their way into the contest, as Frei cut in from the left before finding Clint Dempsey, whose curling effort was spectacularly saved by David De Gea.

Patrice Evra then put an audacious overhead-kick just wide of Schwarzer’s right hand post, before

a penalty shout for a handball by Frei was turned down.

The game’s only goal game four minutes before the interval when Ashley Young delivered a cross from the left, with Fulham’s failed attempts at a clearance allowing Jonny Evans to cut back to Rooney for a close-range finish.

Barely two minutes had been played in the second half before Antonio Valencia almost doubled United’s lead, but his half-volley was saved by Schwarzer.

Young was next to test the Fulham custodian, curling a right-footed strike toward goal that was palmed away.

United had a pair of chances to seal the points in the closing stages, but Schwarzer was again on hand to deny Young, before substitute Javier Hernandez almost prodded home Valencia’s pass.

Despite waywardness in front of goal, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side held out for the three points to move clear of arch rivals Manchester City in the Premier League title race.