The Tanner Report: Manchester United 1 Fulham 2

Next month I’m speaking at a Fulham gathering on the happiest moments of my 57 years of support.

I will refer to the 3-1 victory at Old Trafford in 2003 under Chris Coleman when Sir Alex Ferguson and his United team were in their pomp.

Since then we have seen the rise of their City light blue rivals – which has not sat well with the red side – as City have dominated both English and European football.

Nonetheless an away game at Old Trafford is never easy especially in a week when Sir Jim Radcliffe’s critique and aspirations were attracting all  the football headlines.

It was Fulham who started the superior side in what was an entertaining match but, just as the home side were coming into their own, Calvin Bassey thundered home the first goal

The most controversial incident in the first half was a grotesque foul by Harry Maguire on Sasha Lukic that merited more than a yellow card.

Fulham hung on till the 87th minute when Maguire equalised.

At Anfield v Liverpool and in the home game against Liverpool, Manchester United last time at home we lost  in extra time.

I was extremely fearful that this would happen again but after a breakaway from Armando Traoré it was another Super Eagle from Nigeria – Alec Iwobi – who scored our late winner.

Inevitably it will be Manchester United that the media will focus upon but this was as good a performance from my lads as they have given in the Premiership.

My man of the match was Saha Lukic. Since signing from Torino he had had a torrid time but really grabbed the opportunity created by Joao  Pahlinha suspension.

Another signing that seemed not to work out was Rodrigo Muniz but the 22 year old had really gained in confidence and hit the post yesterday.

Next week’s clash at Craven Cottage against Ivan Conway’s Brighton is intriguingly poised.