Ferguson credits Norwich after loss

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Norwich’s performance after his side’s 1-0 defeat at Carrow Road.

Norwich took the lead in the second half through Anthony Pilkington’s superb header and then hung on to claim a famous three points against a relatively poor United side.

The loss knocks United off of top spot in the English Premier League and, while being disappointed with the result, Ferguson chose to praise the hosts.

“We’re disappointed to lose the game obviously but we have to give credit to Norwich. The way they fought, battled for every ball on the pitch, and they defended fantastically well,” he told ESPN.

“The goalkeeper (John Ruddy) had a really good night also, so it’s disappointing.”

Ruddy produced several outstanding stops to keep United at bay before Pilkington’s superb header from a Javier Garrido cross gave Norwich three points.

United came from two goals down at Aston Villa to win last time out and Ferguson believed it could have been a similar result on Saturday.

“Although we had a lot of possession and one or two half-chances without having great chances and it just wasn’t our night,” he said.

“I always feel we can do that. The history of the club’s like that and the players we’ve got are used to making comebacks, particularly in the last minutes of matches. We’re always a threat.”

Norwich manager Chris Hughton said his side’s performance was their best of the season as they extended their unbeaten league run to five.

“It is, simply because it is Manchester United. They tested us more than anybody we have played against and were resilient enough,” he said.

“I suppose with the run we are on, the confidence we have from that we were able to show.

“It is certainly a wonderful achievement.”