Wayne Rooney scored his 28th goal of the season for Manchester United, as they beat Fulham in the Monday night action. It was a controversial match, as Fulham were denied a stonewall penalty in the final few minutes of the match by the referee. However, as it stood, Manchester United returned to the top of the table following the win courtesy of a Wayne Rooney goal. Rooney has been quite sublime this season, although he has not been able to get the same kind of press as Robin van Persie. However, his 28th goal of the season was extremely important, as it gave United crucial three points in the title race.

United came into the match against Fulham with the opportunity to go four points clear at the top of the table after rivals Manchester City had only drawn against Stoke City during the weekend. Michael Carrick brought down Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy in the box in the 90th minute. Even Sir Alex Ferguson conceded after the match that it should have been a penalty, but they were lucky to not concede it. Manchester United dominated the possession in the first half, but were not able to convert them into goals until Wayne Rooney broke the deadlock.

“You have a quick look to the referee, but he’s waved it away. Having seen it back again, you accept he could have given it. It’s a great result for us but we’re a bit disappointed with the performance. We managed to grind out a 1-0 victory and that puts us top again,” Manchester United defender Johnny Evans said after the match. The result leaves Manchester United three points clear at the top of the table with only eight matches remaining in the season. City have a slightly better goal difference.