It was the first time in eight years that the Red Devils had lost their opening league fixture of the season and they now face a Fulham side who made a superb start to their own campaign last weekend by thrashing Norwich 5-0. Ferguson is mindful of the White's threat, but is demanding nothing less than a positive reaction from his team - and is confident they will deliver. "I went to see Fulham last Saturday and they played very well," Ferguson said.
"It's a football club that's grown tremendously since Roy (Hodgson) got them to the Europa League final (in 2010). "The place is buzzing with a full-house every week and there's a good atmosphere around the place. "They have a lot of experience in their team. It won't be an easy game, but we're at home and we need to make an impact quickly after losing on Monday night, and we expect that." Robin van Persie came off the bench to make his United debut in the Everton match and the Holland striker - signed for a reported £24million last week from Arsenal - looks set to be promoted to the first XI, with Ferguson saying there was "every chance" he could start against Fulham.
The manager also confirmed Van Persie's Dutch compatriot and fellow new recruit, full-back Alexander Buttner, will be involved, most likely starting on the bench, and that he will once again be without the defensive quartet of Phil Jones (back), Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling (both foot) and Rio Ferdinand (leg) that was unavailable for the Goodison Park contest, although Jones has now returned to training.
Clint Dempsey will be missing from Fulham's squad once again. Dempsey has been unsettled by interest shown by Liverpool according to manager Martin Jol, who has decided the American is not in the right state of mind to play. Kerim Frei (pelvis) and Philippe Senderos (foot) are unavailable, but Zdenek Grygera (knee) has been passed fit.
Man Utd V Fulham - view commentary, squad, and statictics of the game live.
Source: PA
