PL Collection: United's best games v Fulham

The west Londoners have played United 30 times in the division with plenty of goals featuring in the four matches we have selected for closer inspection.

Ever since our first Premier League meeting in 2001, there has been excitement and entertainment, with Ruud van Nistelrooy scoring twice on his debut in the competition.

It's this victory that begins our look-back, thanks to our exclusive Premier League Collection...

UNITED 3 FULHAM 2 (2000/01)

An absolutely belting start to the Premier League season saw new recruit van Nistelrooy introduce himself to the Old Trafford crowd with a match-winning double. Things started badly when future Red Louis Saha opened the scoring after only four minutes but another man who would later ply his trade for United, Edwin van der Sar, had no answer to David Beckham's superb free-kick, which yielded an equaliser. Saha provided further evidence of his striking qualities by finishing past Fabien Barthez in the second half but the lead lasted only three minutes this time, as van Nistelrooy profited from an Andy Cole pass. Seconds later, the deadly Dutchman was at it again, finding the net from close range with what proved to be the winner.

UNITED 5 FULHAM 1 (2006/07)

Another opening-weekend clash at the Theatre of Dreams was most notable for Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo being reunited after their stormy coming together in the World Cup finals as rivals. There was clearly nothing wrong with the exciting pair's relationship as they were pivotal in putting the Cottagers to the sword. Saha, now a fully fledged Red, took only seven minutes to strike against his former employers and an own goal by Ian Pearce doubled our lead. Seconds later, Rooney pounced after Antti Niemi blocked a Saha shot and, with only 19 minutes on the clock, it was 4-0. Rooney provided the assist for Ronaldo and the crowd lapped it up. Heidar Helguson's shot deflected off Rio Ferdinand for the second own goal of the game but, although Ryan Giggs had to weather a shocking challenge by Michael Brown, sparking something of a feud between the duo which saw them both substituted, Rooney had the final say - converting a Wes Brown pass for his second.

FULHAM 1 UNITED 2 (2006/07)

Our next meeting with the Londoners, down by the Thames, was one that will always stick in the memory as it featured a late goal from Ronaldo that proved useful in our pursuit of another Premier League title, stretching our lead at the summit to nine points. Truthfully, Sir Alex Ferguson's side did not perform well on a difficult Craven Cottage surface and it was difficult to begrudge Fulham the opening goal through USA striker Brian McBride, following a defensive mix-up. Giggs levelled matters with a beautiful volley, a work of art from the left-footed genius, after nice approach work from Rooney. Tomasz Radzinski hit the bar and van der Sar was forced to save superbly from Simon Davies as the hosts looked capable of taking all three points. Instead, Ronaldo charged down the left wing in the 88th minute with only one thing on his mind. The Portugal international's shot clipped off Phillipe Christanval and beyond Niemi to spark huge celebrations, with Ferguson admitting afterwards it was the most difficult game of the season to date.

FULHAM 0 UNITED 5 (2011/12)

Four days before Christmas, five different scorers ensured an early present for Reds supporters down in the capital. Danny Welbeck swept in a Nani cross from inside the six-yard box early on and Nani headed in a second after a well-worked corner, with Giggs swinging over the centre. Giggs, often impressive against the Cottagers throughout his career, made it 3-0 before the interval, thanks to a deflected shot that looped in, with Nani again a central figure, teasing his way into the box to supply an inviting square pass. With two minutes left, our superiority was further confirmed when Rooney smashed in a raking long-ranger as the away fans sang the '12 Cantonas' song. There was still time for another goal, impudently provided by Dimitar Berbatov's backheel - his 50th strike for the club.

UNITED v FULHAM: PL RECORD

Games played: 30
United wins: 21
Draws: 6
Fulham wins: 3
United goals: 68
Fulham goals: 31
Top scorer: Wayne Rooney (10)