Premier League: Manchester United v Fulham - in pictures

Manchester United go into the match hoping to open up a three-point gap over rivals Manchester City. United's manager Alex Ferguson has put his faith in old charges like Ryan Giggs, seen here vying with Fulham's Clint Dempsey Photograph: ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images

United take the lead through Wayne Rooney's 29th goal of the season shortly before half-time. The chance was created by a cut-back from Jonny Evans (pictured right) Photograph: ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images

Patrice Evra skips over a challenge by Stephen Kelly Photograph: Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images

Antonio Valencia bursts past John Arne Riise. Valencia is causing havoc in the Fulham defence tonight Photograph: Jon Super/AP

Ashley Young has a chance to score but is denied by a solid save from Fulham's Mark Schwarzer Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images

Pavel Pogrebnyak is working hard up front for Martin Jol's side Photograph: ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images

Fulham are denied a clear penalty in the closing stages when Michael Carrick trips Danny Murphy. But the referee ignores Fulham's appeals and the game ends 1-0 to United. What a critical decision that could prove in the title race. Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images