Sir Alex Praises His Troops

Sir Alex Ferguson was full of praise for his players after a deserved 2-0 win at Stoke City on Sunday.

Michael Carrick and Robin van Persie scored the goals and the celebrations that followed the Dutchman's penalty will live long in the memory as the Reds took an important step towards a historic 20th league title.

After losing to Chelsea in the FA Cup and to Manchester City in the derby, some pressure was on the runaway leaders going into the hostile environment at the Britannia Stadium.

"It was a big one coming on the back of the defeat on Monday night and it was essential for us in terms of standing up and being counted," the boss told MUTV. "Everyone did a great job today.

"I said at the beginning of the game that the wind would affect the ball and it was the worst day possible to come to Stoke. They are a handful and it was a really tough match. Credit to the players as they battled all day."

Sir Alex was delighted to see van Persie end his 11-game goal drought but less enamoured to be embraced so vigorously by his enthralled top scorer.

"He nearly killed me!" he joked. "He forgets I’m 71! I always think you should celebrate goals – the boys celebrated right away and it was an emotional part of it. The supporters were encouraged by that.

"It was an absolutely tremendous penalty under pressure, with the wind blowing the ball off the spot two or three times," the manager stated. "He arrowed it right in the corner, a perfect penalty. He did well to get us a penalty after a tremendous ball out to him by Wayne and he was brought down.

"He and the rest of them will think they’ve done a great job today, very well justified in terms of the performance and having to dig in deep to get that result."

Sir Alex admits he hopes Stoke do not go down, even though the defeat leaves the Potters in trouble following Sunderland's 3-0 win at Newcastle.

"I hope Stoke stay up," he insisted. "I think they’re a great club with fantastic support and a great manager. Tony Pulis is terrific, one of the best in the business. With the job he’s done here, he doesn’t deserve to be in the position they are in.

"They should be doing better but I hope they stay up and I think they will get enough points. There was a great determination about them and determination at this part of the season is a good thing to have. I really do hope they stay up."

As for the Reds, the message from the manager is clear: end the season in style.

"The responsibility and expectation is for Manchester United to win every game," he told Sky Sports. "I don't think any of the supporters would think any differently.

"Today was the start and we have got six games left. To go and win the next game is what we want to do."