In search of a greater margin before half-time, Rooney began to sizzle. He chipped a Beckhamesque effort from the centre circle, had one chalked off for offside, dragged another just wide after reading Tevez's sublime pass and then struck a post. So intense was his focus, he did not even look particularly frustrated or bothered not to have scored. Full steam ahead.

United were a goal in front but light years ahead. Besides, it took only another moment for the next goal to come. And what a goal. Tevez sent a 25-yard rocket past Schwarzer and into the top corner of his goal.

There were four Fulham defenders in attendance. All looked powerless. One of them, Dickson Etuhu, simply fell over. "Tevez was a jack-in-the-box all day,' Ferguson said, beaming.