The Tanner Report: Fulham 0 Manchester Utd 1

Perhaps it was the driving rain, perhaps that we had not beaten Manchester Utd since 2007, perhaps it was the collective will of Man U to recover from 2 consecutive 3-0 defeats, perhaps it was the Fulham fans demonstrating about ticket prices, but – whatever it was – Fulham lost to a late goal by Varaine.

With a potent striker Fulham might have won: Willan was dominating the left flank but no one was on hand to convert his crosses so he he eventually chose to cut in and shoot.

In previewing the match the wiseacres danced on Erik Ten Hag’s grave, the general view being that his tough style of man management was outdated.

Fulham, who have as many points as last season, were not accorded much consideration.

Time was when there were analysts chosen from ex-players from either side and the country’s best known presenter did not hold forth on global conflict – however, those were different times – Tony Gale or Steve Sidwell could have analysed Fulham better than Joe Cole or Rio Ferdinand – but TNT Sport ‘s coverage is the worst around.

Not for the first time the Reds score a late goal and undeserved winner.