PINEHURST, N.C. -- Rickie Fowler turned in another strong finish in one of golfs biggest events and gained the experience of playing in the final group of a major. He will have to wait a little longer for his first major title or his second PGA Tour victory. The 25-year-old Fowler tied for second Sunday in the U.S. Open, finishing with a 2-over 72 for a 1-under 279 total at Pinehurst No. 2. Fowler and Erik Compton ended up eight strokes behind runaway winner Martin Kaymer, who dominated the tournament so completely the first two days that everyone else was playing for second. Ultimately, Fowler said, his second top-five major finish of the year is proof hes inching closer to some breakthrough moments -- the kind that could eliminate the questions about whether he is more hype than substance. "It doesnt matter what I do. Im always going to have critics," Fowler said. "... Obviously, theres been some great finishes, but I want to win and I want to win more." Fowlers only tour win came two years ago in the Wells Fargo Championship. He was two shots back at the Masters going into the final day before shooting 73 to tie for fifth. He has always attracted plenty of attention with his flamboyant style, from the knickers he wore Thursday in opening round in tribute to late U.S. Open champion Payne Stewart to the nearly head-to-toe orange of alma mater Oklahoma State he wore Sunday. His game has been a work in progress with swing coach Butch Harmon since the end of last year following the death of former coach Barry McDonnell in 2011. While Fowler has shown improvement, he has also missed the cut in three of six events since the Masters. At Pinehurst No. 2, he shot even-par 70 on Thursday and Friday then followed with a 67 to put himself in the final group. But he never got much momentum Sunday, with his double bogey on the fourth hole -- he sank a long putt to avoid a triple -- stalling him early. He also hooked a tee shot on the 16th so badly that a man had to snatch up his child to avoid the ball skirting along the pine needles, though Fowler managed to save par on that hole before a bogey on 17 helped drop him into a tie for second. "He hit a couple of bad shots and that put him into some bad positions, but he saved it very well," Kaymer said. "... I was just hoping for him that he makes birdie on 18, because I think he really deserved to finish second here." Still, if Fowler felt disappointed with tying for second, he did not show it Sunday evening. As Compton talked with reporters, Fowler pulled out his cellphone and snapped a selfie with Compton in the background as he stood to the side waiting his turn. "Its kind of the same way handling rounds at the U.S. Open here," Fowler said about winning a major. "You cant get ahead of yourself, you have to stay patient, have to stay in the moment and keep going through the process. ... 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It was considered unlikely that Rielly would be loaned to Canada for the tournament, which begins Dec. 26 in Malmo, Sweden, though a stretch of three straight games in the press box made it something of a debate.Samir Nasri believes Manchester City take on a different form when he, Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and David Silva are all fit to play. Nasri returned to Citys starting line-up for the first time since September after a thigh injury, scoring the winner in the 2-1 victory over West Brom on Saturday Night Football.The Frenchman admitted Citys play can be predictable when both Jesus Navas and Raheem Sterling are playing, and insists he brings a different dimension to play. Nasris goal gave City a 2-1 win over West Brom Nasri told Sky Sports: The thing is when Kevin has been on the sideline, and myself as well, and David has been playing with a pain on his ankle, our game is a little bit predictable with Jesus and Raheem because they like to go to the space.With us we bring a different option, and it is good when everyone is fit. The manager can choose the players that he wants.The good thing is when you have Kun, David, Yaya and Kevin at this level it is easy to play in this team. Report: Mann City 2-1 West Brom Samir Nasri scored a second-half winner on his return to the starting line-up Sergio Aguero had equalised for City in the first half Nasri was delighted to return to action with a goal, which puts City four points clear of Manchester United in the race for fourth, with United in action at Tottenham on Super Sunday.ddddddddddddIt was great to be back and to score that winning goal especially after the result of Arsenal and West Ham. I cannot explain how happy I am. I was a little bit dead at the end and thats the best thing to do before Paris.When youve been out for long youre really hungry when you get back and you just want to prove to everyone that you have the quality for this squad, especially after all the new players that we had this year. I wanted to give my contribution to my team. Also See: Nasri nets winner on return Pellegrini: Vital win Nasri delighted with return Saturdays top stats ' ' '