Ruud on the mark in Cottage thriller - round-up

Ruud van Nistelrooy scored twice as Manchester United recovered from a disastrous start against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Collins John lashed in an opener for the hosts in the second minute, but the endeavour of Ji-Sung Park got United back in the game.

The South Korea midfielder earned a penalty which Van Nistelrooy converted, then sent Wayne Rooney through with a deft pass for a strike which put United ahead.

Rio Ferdinand opted to leave Claus Jensen’s free-kick in the 27th minute, with the ball creeping past Edwin van der Sar to restore parity, but Van Nistelrooy tapped into an empty net just before the break to give his side a 3-2 lead.

Second-placed Charlton took a 1-0 lead into the interval against Tottenham at The Valley.

Darren Bent opened the scoring in the 25th minute, latching onto a lofted pass by Danny Murphy and flicking past Paul Robinson.

The striker could have doubled the lead but shot wide after Alexei Smertin found him in space with the goal at his mercy.

Newcastle went into the interval goalless against Portsmouth at Fratton Park, but the focus was on Michael Owen missing the game through injury.

The striker had a dead leg, with his availability for England’s internationals this month now in question.

Dario Silva went closest for Pompey during the game, with Magpies goalkeeper Shay Given saving well at the striker’s feet.

Blackburn and West Brom could not find a goal between them in the first 45 minutes at Ewood Park.

Zoltan Gera went close with a free-kick, but clear opportunities proved difficult to create.