It's all sunshine at Old Trafford after 'very, very
important points' despite injury concerns for Ashley Young and Nemanja
Vidic.
Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his
“magnificent” Manchester United side as they took another step towards a 20th
league title.
Robin Van Persie bagged his 21st
goal of the season and skipper Nemanja Vidic added a second as United did the league double over arch rivals Liverpool for
the first time in six years.
The win cemented United’s
seven-point lead over Manchester City and Ferguson hailed the hard-fought
triumph as a potentially significant moment in the title race.
“This was as good a performance as
we’ve had for a long time,” said Ferguson.
“All in all, it was an engrossing
game as we expected in a Manchester United-Liverpool match.
“It’s full of emotion, intensity and
it’s great to win them. It was a magnificent performance in the first half, as
well as we’ve played for a long time.
“It was hard work after they scored
and I’m just glad we won the match. Winning is important - it doesn’t matter
what league position we’re in.
“It was a great build-up to the first goal, some terrific football and a great finish from Robin. I thought Welbeck and Van Persie gave them a really difficult time, particularly in the first half.
“I’ve said many times it’s a fantastic challenge between the two most successful teams in the country. I think those three points today are very, very important ones.
“Liverpool were inspired by their goal, it got their fans going, and they made a real fist of it for the final 25 minutes.
“When you play Liverpool, you’ve got to be on your best form to win, and I thought this was our best form.”
Ferguson’s joy at victory was tempered by an injury to Ashley Young, who left Old Trafford on crutches.
Influential skipper Vidic, who has only just returned to action after missing the second half of last season, was also injured and headed straight down the tunnel when he came off.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers praised his side’s refusal to fold and said: “I was very proud of the team. I thought we were a bit too tentative in the first-half.
“We could have easily given up the fight at 2-0 down in the second-half but the fightback was brilliant and I thought we maybe deserved something from the game.”
Formidable Manchester United team.
