dimanche 26 février 2012

Sir Alex Ferguson hails pivotal win at Norwich

Boss: Win could be pivotal

Sir Alex Ferguson believes United's last-gasp victory at Norwich, courtesy of milestone man Ryan Giggs, could prove crucial in the title race.

The Reds looked set to drop two vital points after Paul Scholes' early opener was cancelled out by Grant Holt's 83rd-minute equaliser.

But Giggs, playing his 900th game for the club, popped up with the winner two minutes into injury-time to secure what could turn out to be a huge victory.

"It's a great result and it will have an impact," the boss told MUTV afterwards. "Everyone knows we never give in and no matter who plays us they know they're going to have to play right until the very death.

"I have to say though we were lucky. Norwich were the better team and they had more purpose about them. They kept crossing the ball into our box and but for Jonny Evans, Rio Ferdinand and David De Gea we'd have been behind. The three of them were brilliant.

"I thought we were lethargic and too casual on the ball," added Sir Alex. "But when we lost the goal we played brilliantly. That tells you something about the temperament of the players. They didn't get nervous, they kept playing and started to up their game, and that augurs well for us.

"Norwich deserved a point really today, but we scored a great winning goal and that was when you saw [the real] Manchester United."

As for the Reds' matchwinner, Sir Alex felt it was fitting that Giggs stole the headlines on his landmark appearance.

Norwich 1 - 2 Manchester United

Grant Holt levelled for the Canaries late on when he held off Rio Ferdinand to turn and fire into the top corner.

But there was still time for Giggs to steal the points when he converted Ashley Young's cross at the far post.

Giggs, who made his league debut 21 years ago next month, was impressive throughout and had already hit the crossbar with a cushioned volley in the second half before his stunning late intervention.

But the result was harsh on a Norwich side who caused United no end of problems and were only denied further goals by the excellence of goalkeeper David de Gea.

The Spaniard pulled off fine saves to deny Holt, Anthony Pilkington and Aaron Wilbraham before he was finally beaten by Holt with just seven minutes left.

That goal kicked United into gear and, when Young whipped in a dangerous cross from the left, Giggs arrived unmarked to clip the ball through John Ruddy's legs.

Ferguson's side had seen City move five points clear with their 3-0 defeat of Blackburn on Saturday and started in the manner of a side eager to close the gap.