Coleman takes blame for United rout

Fulham boss Chris Coleman has ruled out making sweeping changes in response to Sundayss rout by Manchester United and takes full responsibility for the 5-1 result.

Fulham boss Chris Coleman has ruled out making sweeping changes in response to Sunday’s rout by Manchester United and takes full responsibility for the result.

The Cottagers were blitzed 5-1 by rampant United at Old Trafford but Coleman insists wielding the axe for tonight’s clash with Bolton will send out the wrong message.

“There won’t be many changes because that would be a knee-jerk reaction. It wouldn't have mattered who I had out on Sunday,” he said.

“It would be an excuse from me to change the team drastically and I won’t do that. It would look like panic and that I had no confidence in the players. I won’t pass the buck because the buck stops with me. I won’t blame the lads – I pick the team and send them out.”

There were no opening weekend blues for Bolton who opened their Barclays Premiership campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Tottenham.

Fulham have won every home fixture against the Trotters since they re-entered the top flight in 2001 but Coleman has warned his side they face further misery if they do not improve on the Old Trafford debacle.

“We must bounce back against Bolton. I watched them on Saturday and they were good. They are organised, strong, powerful and good at what they do,” said Coleman.

“They could have beaten Tottenham by the same score United beat us – they were much better than Spurs. If we don’t show a bit of character we will be going into our third match on Saturday without a win.

“Physically we’re fine, we’ve just got to get it right mentally. We’ve got a good home record against Bolton but it’s a new season.”