Boss Enjoys Fantastic Football

Sir Alex Ferguson saluted his team's composure and killer instinct after United came from behind once again to beat Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

Jermain Defoe's stunning goal for Spurs after just 50 seconds wasn't the only blow to the champions - later, the Reds lost the services of Paul Scholes when he was harshly shown a second yellow card. But despite playing for more than half an hour with ten men, United wrapped up the win when Wayne Rooney scored on the counter-attack to make it 3-1.

"Wayne's goal came at a great time, it killed the game for us," reflected Sir Alex.

"We were under the cosh with the ten men and had to defend really well. We had some good counter-attacking play and the third goal finished the game.

"Entering the game with maximum points, Tottenham quickly set United a test by taking that lightning lead through Defoe.

"I think it was always going to be a hard game," said Sir Alex. "Spurs are in great form at the moment and they got off to a fantastic start by scoring in the first minute.

"It was a marvellous finish from Defoe but it was early in the game and there were still ninety minutes to play. We had to gather our game and show our composure and I thought our football was fantastic."

After Ryan Giggs equalised from a free-kick, United went 2-1 up through a rare source as Anderson scored his first competitive goal for the Reds in 78 appearances.

"I hope that drives him on to get more because he's capable of that," said the manager.

"He hasn't played a lot of games but he's part of a squad, we have so many midfield players and we have to rotate it at various times in the season and Anderson will play his part. He had a marvellous performance for us today."

The only blemish on a brilliant evening for United was the red card for Scholes.

"It was a terrible sending off," complained by Sir Alex. "I think the referee (Andre Marriner) got it wrong. Scholes clearly lifted his leg above the player. I think the Tottenham player's done him, I think he (Tom Huddlestone) should have been punished.

"I've looked at it twice on the video and I can't see a sending-off in that. I think he was sent off because his name's Paul Scholes."