You are in > manchester.com  > News > Sir Alex praises United battlers

General Sport

Sir Alex praises United battlers

30/11/2008

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his Manchester United side's resolve after their 1-0 win over Manchester City.

Wayne Rooney struck in the first-half but United played the final 25 minutes with ten-men after Cristinao Ronaldo's dismissal.

The result sees United close the gap on leaders Chelsea after the Blues suffered a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

And Ferguson said it was a game United had to win to keep up with their title rivals.

"We needed to win given our position behind the top two and it's a significant result for us," the Scot told MUTV.

"It was a fantastic performance particularly in the first half and with ten men the players showed their resolve and a great determination to see the game out.

"We defended well throughout and never really had any problems in that respect, but that was down to our good defensive play."

Meanwhile, City boss Mark Hughes admitted his side were below-par due to Thursday's Uefa Cup match.

"We lacked that little bit of sharpness that we've seen in recent weeks," the ex-Manchester United striker said.

"I’m disappointed that we didn't get to half time level and gave the goal away on 42 minutes but we changed a few things around and regrouped in the second half and we were better for it.

"We got a second wind and forced the issue more but the sending off didn't help us as much as people would have thought because they very quickly got people behind the ball and defended our efforts to attack."

United's next league game is at home to Sunderland next Saturday while City are away at Fulham.