United ready for rapid response
Ryan Giggs says last week's 1-0 defeat by Everton served as a wake-up call as the Red Devils look to return to winning ways against Fulham
Manchester United must deliver an immediate response to their lacklustre defeat at Everton when they face Fulham today, said veteran Ryan Giggs.
Champions Manchester City underlined their intent to hold on to the title with a come-from-behind win over Southampton and Chelsea, inspired by new signing Eden Hazard, swept to the top of the table with wins over Wigan and Reading. Alex Ferguson's United, meanwhile, are pointless thanks to their tepid display at Goodison Park.
Ferguson's side allowed Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini to bully them into submission and offered little in response, even when £24 million (HK$295 million) new boy Robin van Persie made his debut in the second half.
United can ill afford to fall six points behind City and Chelsea even at this early stage, but Giggs is confident the Everton defeat will serve as a wake-up call for his team-mates.
"It wasn't a nice feeling to lose the title last season - it never is, but it was the manner in which we lost it which was tough to take," Giggs said. "I'm sure if we put that much effort in again and get that little bit of luck then we'll go that extra step.
"The Van Persie signing sends out a big message. And it's great when a player comes out and says he wants to come to the club as well."