Despite making a bright start, the Cottagers were powerless to respond once United had seized the initiative through first-half strikes from Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia. The 2-0 scoreline condemned them to an incredible 18th defeat from their last 19 trips to face the Red Devils. They have not scored a goal since they suffered a 5-1 mauling almost five years ago, and even that was thanks to Rio Ferdinand turning the ball into his own net. And it appears psychological problems linger. "Our record at Old Trafford is poor to say the least," said Hughes. "At times this season we have gone to places where the scars of previous visits have come back to haunt us. That was the case again." The result dropped Fulham back into the bottom half of the table, still not quite safe from relegation even though a single victory should be enough for them to survive. After a decent run, in which his side have picked up seven points from their previous four games, Hughes denied the allegation that his players had downed tools. And Gael Kakuta, who made a pleasing first Premier League start after joining the Londoners on loan from Chelsea, feels a top-10 finish remains within Fulham's grasp. "We moved down a place in the league, but our ambitions of finishing in the top 10 are still on track," he said. "We have six games left, so there are plenty of points up for grabs to make sure that happens," Kakuta told the club's website. "It is my hope to be involved in more games as the season draws to an end. "I am enjoying my time at Fulham, where I feel I have improved further as a player, and would love to play my part in what will hopefully be a strong finish to the season."
