Fergie - We kept our nerve

Sir Alex Ferguson praised Manchester United's nerve after a 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur maintained the holders' Premier League title challenge.

United moved back to the top of the table, albeit potentially for just 24 hours, after Ryan Giggs slotted home two second-half penalties at Old Trafford either side of an excellent goal from Nani.

The victory shifts the pressure on to rivals Chelsea ahead of their game against Stoke on Sunday, with Carlo Ancelotti's side having slipped up last week when United had won earlier in the day.

With the Red Devils chasing an unprecedented fourth consecutive title, Ferguson feels his players' experience is coming to the fore at a crucial stage of the season.

"I think we played well and that was important, but the most important thing was that we kept our nerve," Ferguson told Sky Sports.

"There were no signs of nerves whatsoever throughout the game and it was great to see that.

"At this vital time of the season it's a good quality to have and the experience helps you in that way.

"I think it showed itself with the penalty kick from Ryan Giggs, the composure, and experience gives you that.

"There was Scholes' performance again today, and we had Vidic and Van der Sar. We have good experience in good positions."

Ferguson also hailed the quality of Nani's goal, with the Portuguese winger restoring United's lead with nine minutes to go courtesy of a delightful dink over Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes after he had been played in by Federico Macheda.

He added: "We brought young Kiko on and he played off a great ball to Nani.

"I must say his finish was absolutely brilliant and to have the audacity to try that at that stage of the game shows you his courage."

Ferguson also had words of encouragement for Dimitar Berbatov, who led the United line against his former club in the absence of the injured Wayne Rooney.

"Throughout the game he was marvellous," continued Ferguson. "He had three great attempts himself.

"He's a great player. It's one of these things when you buy a player for £30million that if he's not scored three goals a week he's going to get criticism."

Source: Sky Sports
Date Published: 24 April 2010

Latest Forum Comments

Have your say on Fergie - We kept our nerve in the United Online forum

Atletico knocking Liverpool out might also (HOPEFULLY) mean that Liverpool need to get a result against Chelsea to ensure being in Europe next season..

- Zain

they have a small glimmer hope at fourth place too, with city and villa playing each other next week and city and spurs playing after that they will all drop points which could open the door for liverpool, they'd have to beat chelsea next week though. hopefully they will. can't believe i am gonna be cheering them on, i am going to feel so dirty.

- Shaun

Exactly... we have to pick up six points from our final two games and hope that Liverpool can at least hold them to a draw at Anfield. They had a good result away to Burnley which might give them a bit more confidence going into the Chelsea game.

- Dave

yeah, i think if chelsea win at anfield the title is on it's way to stamford bridge.

- Shaun

The only thing today changed was goal difference and that would only come into play if they lose, in which case we have to win not draw afterwards. I dont believe they could possibly not beat Wigan, so it all comes down to next week, and the pressure is on them again as they now play first. Should they win it is pretty much over anyway, so the pressure back on us for Sunderland is fairly irrelevent.

- Oli

Congratulations mate!

- John

Congratulations Fenwar!

- Jonesy

Hope you've called him Ryan!?

- Shaun

Just arrived in Singapore. Struggling to find a good stream - anyone got a link?

- Raj

Iv a bad feeling about this one even though he hasn't been effective in his last few games its still a massive loss not to have Rooney. I think we'll be relying heavily on Nani today. On another note good to see Hargo back in the squad.

- Munsterman