Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov was substituted at half-time after a quiet performance as Manchester United dropped valuable points in the Premier League race against Fulham.

Berbatov was the sole out-and-out striker United manager Alex Ferguson named in his starting 11 at Craven Cottage, where the hosts had not won against United in 45 years. He made a lively start even as Fulham dominated early proceedings, but his header in the fifth minute was over the bar.

Having already beaten Fulham twice this season, 3-0 in the league at Old Trafford and 4-0 in the FA Cup at Craven Cottage, United came to London confident of bouncing back from their abysmal showing in the 4-1 defeat to Liverpool a week earlier.

Fulham's sustained pressure looked to have rattled their opponents, however, and in the 17th minute Paul Scholes handled the ball on the goal line, blocking Bobby Zamora's goal-bound effort. Scholes was sent off and Danny Murphy confidently put away the spot kick, bringing back painful memories for the United following, who still remember Murphy's penalty that brought Liverpool their last win at Old Trafford in 2004.

One man down and their lead in the title racing taking a blow, United spent the rest of the half on the defensive, Berbatov starved of any service, as Fulham went looking for a second goal. Zamora could have easily gotten himself a hat-trick before the intermission, but United held on and even had a couple of chances to equalise, but Cristiano Ronaldo looked far from the world's best footballer on the day.

Berbatov made way for Wayne Rooney at half-time, with some reports claiming the Bulgarian was injured shortly before the end of the half, as United came out in force to claw their way back into the match. In the space of several minutes, Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwartzer had to save a header from Ronaldo and shots from Ji-sung Park and Rooney to keep Fulham's slender advantage.

For some time it looked as if an equaliser was inevitable but Fulham wrestled control back and put the outcome beyond any doubt as the clock winded down, Zoltan Gera scoring the second with an overhead kick with three minutes left in the match.

United were sorely missing Nemanja Vidic, suspended for two matches for the red card he received against Liverpool, and the latest setback will put more pressure on them, especially after Rooney managed to get himself sent off for two bookable offences and will miss at least one match through suspension.

Rooney, Scholes and Vidic will all miss United's next match at home against Aston Villa, whereas the extent of Berbatov's injury remains unknown.

Chelsea, playing in a London derby against Tottenham, failed to take advantage of United's misstep and succumbed to a 1-0 loss. Liverpool, who play on March 22 against Aston Villa at Anfield, have a chance to cut down their deficit to United to just one point, although the league leaders still would have a game in hand.