Scot labels victory at the Hawthorns a 'massive result'
By Greg Heffer
Jan 1, 2011 11:19:00 AM
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his side's “massive result” after their 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns but reserved his highest praise for Wayne Rooney who scored his first goal from open play this season.
Despite taking an early lead through Rooney’s header, United were made to work hard for the three points by an impressive West Brom side who equalized through James Morrison before Javier Hernandez came off the bench to grab a winner for the visitors.
However, speaking to Sky Sports after the match Ferguson was full of praise for the England striker, not simply for his goal, but for his all round display.
“The two center-backs were magnificent and Wayne Rooney was absolutely out of this world,” said the Scot.
“It was fantastic, an unbelievable performance from him, he drove us on. There were three defenders around him and the goalkeeper came out and smothered his shot, that would have been an incredible goal.
“He’s absolutely jumping with confidence now. I’m really pleased for Wayne [Rooney]. He’s got his goal, got him off the mark, and hopefully that’s him off on a run now.”
Arguably, the Baggies deserved more from the game but missed the chance to take the lead themselves in the second half after Peter Odemwingie put a spot-kick wide and Ferguson paid tribute to the hosts.
“It was a really tough game, there was a greasy pitch and they set out with their three midfield players taking shots at goal and they’re a very good football team,” he said.
“I said that in the build-up to the game, they’ve been refreshing in the league this year, and they’ve proved that again today. It’s a massive result for us today.
“A lot of games in my experience for us over the years, we’ve had to battle out games and we really had to do that today.
“We wanted to get to half time without any damage and I think we managed that. The second half I thought we started to play a bit better but then had to make one or two changes through injuries. We looked a bit [as if we were] just hanging on defensively.
“[It was] a great result, in the past we’ve always had performances like this where we’ve had to battle it out, and in fairness to the players, they didn’t play that well but they did battle the whole way.”
In the first half, United were lucky not to concede a penalty after Gary Neville brought down Graham Dorrans in the area and Ferguson admitted he thought a spot-kick should have been awarded himself, even though referee Chris Foy turned down West Brom’s appeals.
“I thought it was a penalty. It was difficult for the referee, I thought Gary [Neville] got it [the ball]," he explained.
"The first time I thought he’d got the ball, but then I saw the replay and he took the outside of the player’s leg.”
Ferguson also commented on suggestions by Manchester City assistant manager Brian Kidd’s that the Premier League title was United’s to lose, adding: “I don’t know if he’s trying mind games. I think that it’s for everyone to win...or lose."
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