Boss Lauds Villa Victory

Sir Alex Ferguson has praised a “good result” after United recorded a commanding 1-0 win over Aston Villa in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday.

Phil Jones scored the only goal in the tea-time kick-off against Alex McLeish’s side; volleying Nani’s chipped cross past the helpless Shay Given during a confident Reds display.

And although Sir Alex was impressed by the football on show in the Midlands, the United boss believes his side could have sealed a more emphatic result.

“I thought we deserved the victory. We had great possession at times and I think we were a bit wasteful with chances we had in the second half," he told MUTV. "But a win away from home at Villa Park - which is always a difficult place to come – is a good result so we are happy.

“I think we should be finishing games off and I’d like to do that, but the one good thing is our concentration levels away from home.

“In fairness to us, I thought we controlled the game. Some of our football was good, there were some good performances from the lads and there was a good rhythm in our game. It’s a good passing pitch and I always enjoy coming here."

Saturday’s result was United’s fourth 1-0 win in five previous league matches, following slender victories over Everton, Sunderland and Swansea City.

Obviously, Sir Alex would like to see the Reds return to the free-scoring form which yielded heavy wins earlier in the season, but explained why confidence and three points are more important.

“We have certainly showed good concentration in the last few away games, particularly defensively. Yes, we could do better in the finishing department but I think consistency will help us in terms of confidence.”