Ferguson Reserves Special Praise For Tevez

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson reserved special praise for Carlos Tevez after the Reds’ thumping 4-0 victory at Craven Cottage.

The win, kick-started by Tevez’s first-half brace, means United will now contest an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday 18 or Sunday 19 April.

“It was a superb performance from Carlos Tevez,” Sir Alex told MUTV. “He was like a jack-in-the-box all day and he showed great energy, getting on the ball and great movement.

“His second goal, in particular, was fantastic.”

That strike, a 25-yard rocket from the edge of the box, ranks up there among Tevez’s best in a red shirt. It put the match beyond Fulham’s grasp and gave the Reds a well-deserved two-goal cushion at half-time.

Wayne Rooney added a third on 50 minutes to cap a fine individual performance before Sir Alex withdrew him from action 14 minutes later.

“Wayne was marvellous today,” the manager said. “He played last Wednesday and he’s only just come back from a hamstring injury. I didn’t want to take any chances because we need him for Wednesday against Inter Milan. That’s why I took him off.

“Right from the word go all the players played with great energy and enjoyment. They went out to enjoy themselves and were backed by a fantastic support.”