A Step In The Right Direction

Sir Alex Ferguson feels the Reds' victory at Hull represents a big step forward.

Goals from Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov, either side of an Andy Dawson own goal, secured a much-needed three points for United and cut Chelsea's lead at the Barclays Premier League summit to just two points. The boss was delighted with the Reds' battling win at the KC Stadium and highlighted the return of Wes Brown and Nemanja Vidic as another big plus point to the day.

"Today is a step forward for us," Sir Alex told MUTV. "We've got the win which is very important as we're entering a crucial stage, and we've got two of our centre-backs back which will make a big difference to us. And they were absolutely magnificent.

"We have to give credit to Hull because they got really stuck into us and put tackles in everywhere. They gave a lot of fouls away which that had an affect on our momentum, but you know that games like this away from home will be tough."

It was an eventful afternoon for Wayne Rooney who was involved in all four goals. Having put the Reds in front on the stroke of half-time, it was his poor back pass which led to Hull's equaliser from the penalty spot. Rooney was to have the last word, however, as he created both United's second and third goals.

"He was a threat all day," declared Sir Alex. "He's a natural winner and his desire is inborn. Yes, he made a mistake, but aside from that one bad moment, he was exceptionally good. He would have been more sick than anyone by his mistake, but he's rectified it in a nice way."