This game was over as a contest after 22 minutes as Manchester United accelerated into a three-goal lead with goals from Antonio Valencia, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney.

The away side, forced to make three changes, took their foot off the pedal after half-time, enabling Fulham to score a consolation they hardly deserved when substitute Alex Kacaniklic saw his shot deflect in off Rooney.

Fulham were woeful. The problems are not new — attackers who refuse to defend, midfielders who sit deep and give the opposition way too much space, and defenders so slow that snails are thinking of starting a protest.

Cottagers boss Martin Jol admitted: “We gave them to much space, when you give them so much space, they are going to look good. We were making poor mistakes.”

Some fans called for Jol’s sacking at half-time. However the manager was more worried by the boos aimed at Bryan Ruiz.

“Fulham might be able to do without me, but they can’t do without Bryan,” Jol stressed.

Given the weak opposition it’s hard to tell if Manchester United have finally found their footing under David Moyes. United’s fourth win in a row in all competitions was orchestrated by Rooney, whose partnership with van Persie is exciting Moyes.

"I thought there was real signs of great understanding,” Moyes said. “They both got on the scoresheet, are incredibly talented and understand each other.”

Moyes says to expect more of the same. “Our job is to climb the league table. We want to be nearer the top and I have no doubt that by the end of the season we will,” said Moyes.