Manchester: A late penalty denied to Fulham helped Manchester United register a 1-0 and return to top of the English Premier League table on Monday here at the Old Trafford.

Wayne Rooney was the lone goal scorer when he fired one high into the net from the close range after receiving a pass from Johny Evans.

Even though the league leaders won the match they were far from their playing their best football and Fulham thoroughly deserved to draw the match but they were denied a plausible penalty when Michael Carrick tripped Danny Murphy inside the box. Referee Michael Oliver found nothing wrong with it allowing United snatch three full points to go three points clear of the rivals Manchester City at top of the table.

Fulham who gave a hard time to City at the weekend produced same kind of performance against the Red Devils as well but lack of good finishing worked against their cause.

Manchester United exhibited a lackluster performance and could score the opening only due to a lapse in defence made by Brede Hangleland. He failed to block a cross from Ashley Young’s cross from the left, and Jonny Evans was quick to pass it to Rooney who found the roof of the net from close range.

After the change of ends, United were little better and made some occasional attacks but could not make an inroad. With nothing working out for the champions decided to keep the possession with them disallowing Fulham to make any strides.

But with just a minute to go for the hooter, the decisive moment of the match came. Carrick clearly tripped Murphy in the box, but the referee did see no mistake and ordered the play to go.

By Indian Sports News Network