Fulham burst Man Utd bubble, Villa boost top-four hopes

MANCHESTER : Fulham burst the bubble of optimism around Manchester United with a well-deserved 2-1 victory on Saturday - their first at Old Trafford in more than 20 years.

At the end of a week in which billionaire Jim Ratcliffe sealed the purchase of his 27 per cent stake in the club and vowed to knock Manchester City off their perch, United's impressive recent run was ended by Alex Iwobi's stoppage-time winner.

United's first loss in six league games left them eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, who bolstered their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League with a 4-2 home victory against struggling Nottingham Forest.

Crystal Palace gave new manager Oliver Glasner a dream start with a 3-0 win over 10-man Burnley to ease their relegation fears and push their opponents closer to the drop.

Everton were denied a vital victory in their survival battle as Lewis Dunk headed a stoppage-time equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw for 10-man Brighton and Hove Albion.

Later on Saturday the title race resumes with champions Manchester City seeking to close the gap on leaders Liverpool to one point by beating Bournemouth.

Third-placed Arsenal were also in late action with a home clash against Newcastle United.

There was a spring in the step of United fans arriving at Old Trafford after the developments of the week but they were left frustrated as Fulham outplayed them.

The visitors threatened on numerous occasions before halftime, and Calvin Bassey eventually put them ahead in the 65th minute with his first goal for the club.

United defender Harry Maguire equalised in the 89th minute with a half volley from inside the penalty area after the ball came back off Fulham keeper Bernd Leno, and the home team looked poised for a