And as United pressed for a second-half equaliser, Zoltan Gera struck on the break with a superb control and finish. Seconds later, Rooney threw the ball away in frustration to earn a second booking on a miserable day for United, whose lead could be cut to one point.
It was a historic result for Fulham, as it was for United - although not one they will look back on with any fondness. Fulham had not beaten United at home in 45 years, while the visitors, beaten by Liverpool last weekend, had not lost successive league games since 2005.
Source: BBC Sport