Close Scoreline at Old Trafford Should Not Worry United Fans

On paper, a 3-2 victory at home to a side that has a notoriously poor away record in the Premier League doesn't sound like an all too impressive result.

In truth, Sir Alex and United would have wanted to perhaps net a few more goals, or at least win the match by a healthier margin.

However, what was brilliant from the United point of view was how well the new signings seem to have now gelled into the squad.

Both Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa were on top form in the game, carving out countless chances and both managing to score a debut home goal.

It was clear from the first half that employing the Japanese international in the midfield with Tom Cleverly is something that United need to continue with if they want to achieve further success this season.

As for RVP, he looked sharp and much more like the player we all expected him to be than in his brief 20-minute cameo at Goodison Park on Monday night.

This is what the Dutchman can give you if allowed to start a match.

When Wayne Rooney came on in place of Kagawa after 68 minutes, a crucial part of United's season was marginally determined.

Could the Red Devils play both RVP and Rooney together up front effectively?

Despite not leading to any goals, the two were impressive on the ball and showed real signs that this all-star pairing can lead United to Premier League glory this year.

What's so brilliant about the starting formation is that should one striker be injured or out of form, then they can simply be substituted in for the other.

That was always going to be fine.

But the real issue came as to whether these two could coincide on the pitch.

The answer, at this stage, looks like a yes.

That won't really be too much of a concern over the next few matches however, with the early reports that Rooney will be missing the next four weeks with a severely (and anyone who saw it will confirm, severely) gashed leg (Metro).

Its frustrating to suffer an injury to one of your best players at such an early stage in the season, but on the bright side, it does allow van Persie the opportunity to go out and bag a few goals.

It wasn't all good news for United though, with defensive frailties once again rearing their ugly heads.

Fulham's second goal was dire from a defensive point of view, with Vidic and De Gea seemingly having a moment of madness that luckily didn't cost the side more than a goal in the long run.

Still, it's a good performance, and a solid three points against a Fulham side that looked more than impressive last week at home to Norwich.

If United can just take the odd chance more here and there, and sort out the problems (which are due mostly in part to a string of injuries to key players) at the back, the sky is the limit for Fergie's men.