Win deserved in Fergie´s eyes

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes his side fully deserved their 1-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday.

The Red Devils were kept at bay by the disciplined hosts before in-form striker Wayne Rooney broke the deadlock after 79 minutes to move his side 10 points clear atop the Premier League.

Ferguson said the result was merited even after the visitors were forced to overcome a late onslaught.

“We had so many chances,” he told ESPN. “In the first half we hit the woodwork three times but we deserved to win.

“It was a terrific football match and it was an excellent result. I’m very pleased for us.”

The 71-year-old went on to express delight at his side’s sizeable lead over Manchester City, insisting it was down to the determination among the squad.

“It’s a good position,” the Scot continued.

“We are pleased. Tonight you can look at the performance of the players. They put their bodies on the line, blocking shots, great headers out of defence, really determined effort by the players.”

Fulham boss Martin Jol predicted United would reclaim the Premier League title after watching his side fall short in what he deemed was one of their best displays this term.

“We did well in midfield and at the back,” Jol said. “It was one of our better performances this season.

“But they are capable of creating something out of nothing, as Rooney did. Now, I think they will win it.”

Fulham lost defender Brede Hangeland to an Achilles injury during the match, and Jol was hopeful of a positive prognosis for the Norwegian.

“Hopefully it is not a long one,” said Jol, who believes the floodlight failure in the first half did little to sway the momentum of the match either way.

Players were forced off the ground after the floodlights went out, leading to a short delay.

“We did well to get the lights on again. Normally it takes a long time,” the Dutchman said.

“I feared when we came back our concentration was down and we would end up conceding a goal but it wasn’t a problem.”