Fergie hails United courage

Saturday, 05, May 2007 07:59

Sir Alex Ferguson has praised his team's "fantastic courage" in bouncing back from their 3-0 mauling at the hands of AC Milan in midweek to record a 1-0 win over Manchester City.

Ferguson had wanted the derby delayed for a day to allow his squad extra rest after their efforts on Wednesday night, but the request was turned down by the Premier League and City.

A penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo ensured that they stayed on course for the title despite their hectic schedule and means Chelsea require a win against Arsenal tomorrow to keep their challenge alive.

"We've got a great chance [to win the league]. What you saw today was human courage.
Coming back from Wednesday night, having to come through all that travel, the lack of rest - the players have shown fantastic courage," Ferguson said.

The Scot attacked referee Rob Styles' leniency after Michael Ball appeared to stamp on Ronaldo's chest early on in the contest and escape punishment.

"He [Ronaldo] got a bad challenge in the first minute of the game. Rob Styles got into a position but he's left a lot of things go," he said.

Ferguson also remained confident that should Chelsea win at the Emirates Stadium, his team still had the necessary quality to secure the title at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

"A draw would do me fine. Hopefully we get the result we want tomorrow but if we have to got to Chelsea and get a result then we'll do that."