Fergie Hails Twelfth Man

Travelling United supporters were singing relentlessly as all the lads were at their most vociferous and defiant mood on Sunday at the White Hart Lane. Sir Alex did not forget to praise them.

Our away support was magnificent again, they could be heard throughout the game - especially after the third goal when the home fans went dumb. This truly lifted the team, according to Fergie.

'I think the players enjoyed the match, and the fans did too,' said Sir Alex.

'Our support was terrific today. Away from home they're like an extra man, there's no question about that.'

Now we should somehow reproduce that at Old Trafford where this kind of support is not so pronounced. Anyway, the players also played their part in the victory and Fergie did not want to be unjust.

'I enjoyed the result and the second half once we got in front. But in the first half I thought we were too slow in our build-up. I didn`t think we played with enough width or pace so I felt we could improve when we went in at half-time.

'We were out of the traps very quickly in the first 15 minutes of the second half. The build-up was quick, we played with good width and I think it made a difference to us.'

'We came out with a real purpose in the second half. I said to the players at half-time, 'If you want to win the league, you can't sit back and hope teams make mistakes. You've got to make the opposition make mistakes. Your play has got to earn the right to win matches.''

Did you REALLY say this to the players at half-time? Then let me ask you, Sir, why did you fail to produce a similar teamtalk at the Emirates where it was much-needed?

But I'm not angry, of course: I'm happy to see our advices were not lost on the manager!

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