Boss Wants More Goals

Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased to see his side take another important three points off one of their rivals, but he was frustrated that the Reds failed to convert more chances during the 2-1 victory over Arsenal.

Robin van Persie put the hosts in front after just three minutes, but United had to wait until the 67th before a second goal arrived via Patrice Evra.

Numerous chances had gone begging before Evra found the net, including a Wayne Rooney penalty which he fired wide, and it's something that is worrying Sir Alex.

"It looked as if it was going to be self destruction," the manager told MUTV and Sky Sports. "It only takes a second to lose a goal.

"They had some possession without really threatening us, but thank god we got the second one because the fact they scored right on full-time would have been an embarrassment [if we'd only have been 1-0 up].

"It was a strange game and the chances we missed... well, we should have put the game to bed a long, long time ago. If you see the scoreline you'd think it was a close game, but it wasn't.

"There was a lack of urgency in our game throughout. We were far too casual. It was an unusual Manchester United/Arsenal game. There were a lot of bookings but it never really got anywhere near the Manchester United/Arsenal games of the past.

"I was just really disappointed in our ability to hammer home the advantage," he added.

"I spoke about goal difference to the players at the start of the season. We lost [the title] on goal difference last season and I don't want to see that again. We had an opportunity to add to the goal tally today."

After joking that he would take United's penalty following the Reds' fourth spot-kick miss of the season, the manager took time out to praise his side's opening goalscorer Robin van Persie.

"It was good for Robin to get the goal and he took it very well," said Sir Alex. "I thought he was fantastic today - his movement and his penetration were brilliant.

"He did the right thing [not celebrating his goal]. He had eight great years at Arsenal and he respects that and I thought the Arsenal fans were fine too."