Fulham v Man Utd: Head 2 Head
On paper this was a mismatch and that was how it appeared on the pitch - though not in the way fans might have imagined. The inexperience of Liam Rosenior triumphed over one of world football's most prestigious talents. Fulham's Premiership debutant was far too preoccupied with rallying home supporters than worrying about the tricks of Cristiano Ronaldo, which, sadly, again included a propensity to fall to the ground very easily.
Van der Sar v Carroll
Transfer speculation suggests that the goalkeepers on show last night might swap clubs in the near future, and the lack of goalmouth action in the opening 30 minutes presented an ideal opportunity to exchange notes.
Fulham keeper Edwin van der Sar was not at fault for Alan Smith's first-half goal and United's Roy Carroll didn't have all that much to do - apart from pick Papa Bouba Diop's brilliant late equaliser out of the net.
Coleman v Ferguson
When Chris Coleman was appointed, Sir Alex Ferguson was one of the first managers to wish the Welshman good luck - how he must be regretting that! Since then, United have failed to beat Fulham in the Premiership in three attempts. Fergie thought he ended that last night, but the decision of Coleman to play with four forwards in the final 10 minutes paid dividends.
Smith v Cole
When the opposition fans sing your name (in favourable terms at least) it is odd to suggest that a player has a point to prove, though in Andrew Cole's case he seemed intent on doing just that. Cole worked hard and carved an opening out of nothing in the 52nd minute only to be denied by the post. Alan Smith carried United's chief attacking threat and was rewarded for his perseverance when he robbed Sylvain Legwinski before prodding home. Smith won the goal count but Cole wore the biggest smile.
The engine room
In a turgid midfield, the stocky figure of Mark Pembridge and the tiring legs of Sylvain Legwinski found it difficult to contain United's superior movement and dextrous passing. Steed Malbranque was handled with ease by Roy Keane, though Papa Bouba Diop presented a different challenge, not least because of his 6ft 4in frame, which helps to explain why Fulham's equaliser arrived with such force.
