Man Utd 3-2 Fulham: 5 Things We Learnt

5. No Place Is Safe In Man Utd Team

Last season, fans would cover their eyes if Wayne Rooney wasn't on the pitch. The talisman of the team was often the difference between a dominating win and an embarrassing loss, something known by the hierarchy who fought long and expensively to keep him at the club when it seemed a move to the blue side of Manchester was on the cards. You'd never have known this today though. Rooney, alongside Danny Welbeck and Chicharito, started the game on the bench. Paul Scholes, frantic in his movement and exasperating with his tackling against Everton, sat alongside them. Nani, on the heels of one of his worst performances in recent memory, didn't even make it on the team sheet. Alex Ferguson sent a strong message to his players: no one is guaranteed a spot on my team. In their absence, United prospered. Once the first goal had been conceded, Robin Van Persie woke up and led the retaliation in some style. Kagawa, another new signing, made up for the hard working space making dedication lost in Rooney's absence, whilst Rafael stepped up his game and made critical interceptions and continually ran across the penalty box looking to make a nuisance of himself. Anderson and Tom Cleverley performed well in their roles, RVP grabbed his first goal for the club in impeccable fashion, and only Michael Carrick and Vidic came out with eggs on their faces, understandably given that one was playing out of position whilst the other still has to regain focus and match sharpness after a length lay off. For the first time since Ronaldo left for Real Madrid, United showed that there is life in the new influx of talent without Wayne Rooney. The England striker will undoubtedly reaffirm his place in the starting line-up, but there's no longer a reliance on his presence. If Van Persie can rally the troops as well as Rooney was so famed for, Ferguson will be counting his blessings for all of his new options. At long last, the boss finds himself in the enviable position of being spoilt for choice, not necessity.