Big-hitters Impress Sir Alex

Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted to see the master Paul Scholes and the apprentice Darron Gibson scoring long-range goals in the 4-0 win over West Ham.

The United boss has encouraged his midfield men to shoot from outside the box this season, and against the Hammers his wish was granted as both men hit stunning 20-yard efforts.

“It was a great performance, particularly in the second half,” Sir Alex told MUTV. “Getting the goal just before half-time helped us of course. The goal allowed us to settle down and use our experience in the second half. We played very well then.”

Central to the performance was the midfield magic of Scholes. “Paul is an incredible player and he is conducting our play so well at the moment,” enthused the boss. “He’s making it look good for us.

“And as I’ve always said about Darron, he has this ability and power to score from outside the box, which he proved again today with a marvellous strike.

“I was pleased that we did try to [shoot from distance] on a number of occasions, and it does give us an extra dimension to our game because we don’t normally have midfield players who can do that.”

Scholes orchestrated play for the Reds at Upton Park alongside the youth of Gibson and Anderson. Sir Alex feels the two apprentices will have learnt a thing or two from the experience.

“They are both only young boys of 22 and 21 years of age. They are going to be great players, and they accept that Paul Scholes is the finished article. They see a man who has been doing it for 15 years at the highest level. He’s a great example to them and it will rub off I’m sure.”