ALEX FERGUSON was left feeling just champion after Manchester United moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.
The Red Devils came from behind on three occasions to nick a seven-goal thriller against Newcastle thanks to Javier Hernandez’s injury-time winner.
And there was more good news to follow for Fergie when he heard nearest rivals Manchester City had slipped to defeat at Sunderland.
While United’s defending was alarming at times, the Old Trafford chief was delighted with the character shown by his players and feels that’s what title-winners are made of.
He said: “The statement we made was the performance. That was a championship performance.
“I just wish it was the last game of the season but it tells you about the fantastic courage of our team – we never gave in.
“We had a lot of bad decisions against us in the first half. That can demoralise a team. But they didn’t give in and that’s a great quality to have.
“Three times down, three times coming back — and then scoring the winner.
“It’s a really significant result for us. It puts us in a good position.
“December is always a month which tells you everything and hopefully after Wigan on January 1, we will still be talking like this.”
Despite his obvious delight at the result, Ferguson must have been alarmed at the manner of some of his team’s defending as they fell behind three times.
He added: “You have to be concerned, of course. Their third goal was a killer for us.
“I couldn’t believe it after we got back to 2-2 and played really well.
“Losing the third goal was a kick in the teeth.
“But they never gave in and kept making chances. If you keep making them you are bound to score some and eventually we did.
“It’s only the courage of the team that has got us out of it again. Some of the football in the second half was phenomenal — really great.”
Ferguson reserved special praise for match-winner Hernandez, who fluffed two chances to win it before latching on to Michael Carrick’s cross for the dramatic clincher.
He said: “His movement and courage is unbelievable. He deserved his goal today. He and Van Persie were phenomenal and he has deservedly got the winner.”
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew was left disappointed after his team ended up empty-handed despite their enterprising display in a memorable match.
He was also furious with United winger Antonio Valencia over an injury-time tackle which saw Vurnon Anita carried off with an ankle injury.
His assistant John Carver had an angry exchange with Rio Ferdinand at the end as tempers threatened to boil over.
Pardew said: “I was upset about that tackle and it got lost a little bit. I don’t think it was malicious or that he was trying to hurt him — but he mistimed it and it may cost us a player.
“Vurnon’s got a bang on the ankle and might not make Arsenal and that would be a shame because he has been terrific.”
The Toon boss also told his defenders they must improve after they caved in towards the end.
He added: “My frustration with my team is that defensively we should have done a lot better today.
“When Sammy Ameobi hit the inside of the post and it ended up in the keeper’s arms, I thought it might not be our day.
“We have to defend better. To come away with nothing is disappointing.”
Pardew also felt Ferguson was wrong to claim the Toon’s second — a Jonny Evans own goal — should have been disallowed for offside after referee Mike Dean over-ruled his linesman.
He said: “I thought it was a goal — if it’s an own goal it doesn’t matter where you score from. I don’t see a problem with it.”
The Sun
