Sir Alex Calls For More

Sir Alex Ferguson praised United’s attacking intent but lamented his side’s inability to win by a more convincing margin after the Reds beat West Brom 2-0 at Old Trafford.

Ever the perfectionist, the boss felt Sunday’s comfortable win over the 10-man Baggies could have been sealed earlier than the 71st minute, when Wayne Rooney struck his second of the game to see off Roy Hodgson’s side.

“It was a great performance,” Sir Alex told MUTV. “We took a bit of time to get the rhythm of the game right but once we got that we played some exciting stuff and some really good football. We could have scored a lot of goals today. If there is a criticism then that is it. But we produced a stern performance; it was determined and there was a great will to win. I am really pleased with that part.

“We created a lot of chances and missed them. It becomes worrying because you need the second one to take the pressure off you. Fortunately we got the second goal and we still missed chances after that, but we kept our drive for the whole game, which was good. The players didn’t stop; they tried to score from every attacking situation, which is always pleasing.”

Sir Alex also expressed his delight at Wayne Rooney’s scoring form after the United striker netted his 25th and 26th goals of the season, moving the England international closer to his record tally of 34, achieved during the 2009/10 campaign.

“If he gets to 40, I’ll be absolutely delighted because we’ll be in business then. He’s on a hot streak and he does these things. His first goal was fantastic. I thought he would’ve been offside because it was so clear but when you see the timing of his run, it was fantastic and a really good finish.”

Sunday’s match produced a second half cameo for French youngster Paul Pogba, who replaced Paul Scholes on 72 minutes to make his first appearance since rumours of a move away from Old Trafford began to circulate in the media.

Speaking after the match, the boss shedded light on the situation. “The boy is still trying to make his mind up but he knows where he should be. He has shown again today the potential he has got and he is a first-team player, there is no question about that.”