Manchester United have edged out Fulham 1-0 in a close encounter at Craven Cottage that saw the woodwork struck five times in the first half alone.
© PA Photos
The visitors almost made an ideal start to the match in the eighth minute when Patrice Evra followed up Nani's parried shot, but the Frenchman scuffed his shot from six yards out and hit the bar.
John Arne Riise was the first to force a save from David de Gea, letting fly from 30 yards out only to be denied by a diving save from the Spaniard.
Fulham came even closer shortly afterwards as a slick counter attack created a chance for Bryan Ruiz, but his effort hit the post.
The hosts struck the woodwork again just two minutes later, but this time it was at their own end as Brede Hangeland was saved from scoring an own goal by his own crossbar.
Wayne Rooney was the next to be denied by the woodwork, linking up well with Robin van Perise only to see his effort kiss the foot of the post on its way out.
Rooney hit the post again shortly before the break with a curling effort from the edge of the box.
© PA Photos
The match was interrupted by a floodlight failure two minutes before half time, but the players were soon back on the field.
Fulham had another chance to take the lead 10 minutes after the break when Giorgios Karagounis caught Rio Ferdinand in possession, only to send his shot wide.
The visitors took the lead with 10 minutes left when Rooney advanced into the box before guiding his effort past Mark Schwarzer and into the bottom corner.
Van Persie had a chance to wrap all three points up with seven minutes left, but the usually clinical striker went for a spectacular effort and blasted it over the crossbar.
The Dutch striker made up for this missed chance at the other end, however, clearing Phillippe Senderos's header off the line in the dying stages of the match to secure all three points for his side.
Barney Corkhill
