He got United off the mark on five minutes when he seized on a costly error by Fulham keeper Edwin van der Sar to give Manchester United the lead on David Beckham’s long-awaited return to Premiership action.

Giggs also set up Ruud van Nistelrooy to put United further ahead.

Fulham, who had earlier hit the bar twice, pulled a goal back through Sylvain Legwinski on the stroke of half-time.

With Nicky Butt combining with Roy Keane and Scholes to interrupt the flow of Fulham’s approach work, United were now exerting more of a grip on central midfield.

The visitors were still forced to defend in numbers, but they were doing so with more assurance as Fulham, for all of their considerable endeavour, failed to find a way through.

Barthez was in commanding form again, diving at the feet of Malbranque as he charged through the centre of a United defence that has been much criticised this season.

And while Beckham was still struggling to find his rhythm it was - most worryingly of all for Fulham - still United who were, however intermittently, creating the clearest openings.

Van der Sar saved at Butt’s feet on the edge of the six-yard box, while Scholes’s follow-up was also blocked but United could not be denied forever.

Giggs’ persistence won the ball off Andy Melville on the halfway line and after exchanging passes with van Nistelrooy, he crossed for the Dutchman to volley home on the break.

There was still fresh hope for Fulham right on the stroke of half-time, however, as Legwinski headed home John Collins’ flighted free-kick.

United nevertheless regained their two-goal advantage within 80 seconds of the restart as Giggs, who had scored against Everton on St Stephen's Day following his own long-awaited comeback from injury, struck again.

Barthez’s floated free-kick was flicked on by van Nistelrooy and, with Melville caught napping for pace, the Welsh international superbly curled his left foot around the ball to beat van der Sar at the near post.

Fulham refused to cave in, with Beckham required to cover behind his defence as the home side continued to press forward.

A weak back-pass by Mikael Silvestre also allowed Luis Boa Morte to nip in ahead of Barthez but his chip was narrowly over the bar.

Steve Marlet came off the bench to replace Hayles with 25 minutes left and his flicked header was almost seized upon by Saha shortly afterwards.

However, Marlet didn't miss as Fulham again scored in the final minutes of the half. He tapped in after a Brevett run, but it was too late as United took the much-needed three points and to take their tally to five wins out of five.