By Gary Smith
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said he did not see a goal coming to Manchester derby clash and praised his team for nicking it at the end.
Ferguson said coming into the game, his Manchester United side knew they needed to claim all three points to keep their credential in the ‘City’ firmly set, as well as staying on pace with title favourites and leaders Chelsea.
However, after watching both teams failing to create any real goalscoring opportunity, Fergie revealed he was happy to see Paul Scholes delivered deep into stoppage time.
“It was a game we had to win no question about it,” the United boss said.
“I couldn’t see a goal coming. (So) I put Scholes a bit more forward and it paid off.”
Ferguson also believed that less than three-points for United today would have make the race for a fourth title even more difficult.
He said: “It would have been very very difficult.”
Meanwhile, Gary Neville, who had a productive outing in derby is hoping Tottenham can now do United a favour by beating Chelsea.
“We hope that Tottenham can go and do something for us” Neville said.
He added: “We would have love to be in Chelsea’s position.”
Spurs themselves need a win to keep their hunt for a Champions League spot alive.
They were further good news for Manchester United as Wayne Rooney started and left the pitch fit enough to play in another match.
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