Manchester United 'deserved' late Fulham win, says Sir Alex Ferguson

03 Feb 2013 1:30:00 AM

The Scot expressed delight after Wayne Rooney's goal 10 minutes from time helped the Red Devils extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to 10 points

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted his side fully deserved their 1-0 victory over Fulham, despite being made to wait until the 79th minute for Wayne Rooney's winning goal.

The Red Devils were kept at bay by a disciplined Cottagers outfit before the in-form striker broke the deadlock to hand his side a 10-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

And, after the game, Sir Alex claimed that the result had been merited even after the visitors were forced to overcome a late onslaught.

"We had so many chances,” he told ESPN. "In the first half we hit the woodwork three times but we deserved to win.

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"It was a terrific football match and it was an excellent result. I'm very pleased for us."

The 71-year-old went on to express delight at his side's sizeable lead over Manchester City, insisting it was down to the determination amongst the squad.

"It's a good position [we are in]," the Scot continued.

"We are pleased. Tonight you can look at the performance of the players. They put their bodies on the line, blocking shots, great headers out of defence, really determined effort by the players."

Meanwhile, winning goalscorer Rooney also admitted that Martin Jol's men had made life "difficult" for United.

"We knew it was going always going to be difficult coming here and they made it difficult for us," he said. "We hit the post and crossbar three times.

"We had to keep going and believe we could get the goal, and thankfully we did. We know we can create chances and we can take them. We are in a great position but we are not going to get carried away."

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