Fergie didn't bother trying to hide his disappointment regarding United's defeat at Craven Cottage...

Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney both saw red at Fulham as Manchester United sank to a 2-0 defeat, their second loss on the trot.

A blatant handball from the former allowed Danny Murphy to put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot on 17 minutes amid a hugely disappointing first-half display from the Red Devils.

United made some tactical changes at the interval and looked a completely different, well-drilled outfit thereafter, but their numerical disadvantage meant that piling forward left them exposed at the back. Zoltan Gera made good use of this fact and sealed the win for the home side with a late clincher.

"I was disappointed with the first half, I must admit," United boss Sir Alex Ferguson told the press.

"We didn't get started at all and that's cost us the game.

"They were lively and they got stuck in, and we expected that. They lost 4-0 to us a few weeks ago so we expected a response from them. We didn't meet that challenge. I think we can thank Edwin van der Sar for keeping us in it.

"In fairness to the team, in the second half they responded to the half-time talking and I think we were unlucky not to get something out of it. Their goalkeeper's made some terrific saves but we've missed a few chances ourselves.

"It's inevitable that one of their counterattacks will put you in trouble, and that cost us the game. We did really well and we were unlucky. If they'd have got the goal back then they may have even won it. In fairness they kept going and good credit to them for that."

United's consecutive defeats have shortened the gap between the league leaders and a chasing Liverpool to just four points, a deficit that could be shortened further should 'Pool overcome Aston Villa on Sunday.

"As I've said, when you lose games in March and April it can cost you," said Ferguson.

"Fortunately, we have a slender lead at the moment but it's not a lot. Obviously I'm hoping we go away for the internationals and come back at our best.

"We've got a home game against Aston Villa in our next game and that's absolutely crucial."

- Goal.com