Manchester United were severely tested as they visited Craven Cottage for a Premiership game against Fulham. Eventually a dramatic late goal from Cristiano Ronaldo helped the Premiership leaders squeak through 2-1 

Fulham showed plenty of fight as they attacked from the word go. Their attacking instincts were rewarded as Brian McBride put them ahead in just 17 minutes of play. That goal appeared to galvanize Manchester United who replied in kind 12 minutes later when Ryan Giggs volleyed home from a Wayne Rooney cross.

Simon Davies and Tomasz Radzinski troubled Van der Sar as the former forced a save, while the latter hit the crossbar. United looked listless for most of the match, but Ronaldo's 16th of this season left Fulham wringing their hands in despair.

They also had a penalty call disallowed after Van der Sar appeared to bring down Heidar Helguson, but the referee was not moved. The win gives United a nine-point cushion over Champions Chelsea who take on Arsenal in the Carling Cup final tomorrow.

Fulham boss Chris Coleman was furious that the referee did not give the late penalty, "Can anybody disagree with me if I say that if that happened at the other end of the pitch, and it's 1-1, the referee is going to give a penalty?" he asked. "It's frustrating to say the least but what is the point talking about it. I will get another fine."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted with the win, "I must say that was the most difficult game we have had all season. Credit to Fulham, they never gave use a moment to settle. Fulham will feel very aggrieved with the result," he said.