United winner poxy little goal, says Jewell

Monday, 06, Mar 2006 10:42

Alex Ferguson admitted his team were very lucky in their 2-1 win at Wigan, as a last-minute Pascal Chimbonda own-goal gave his Manchester United all three points.

And the United manager praised the home team, describing the encounter as the hardest challenge his side have faced on the road all season.

"We won't get a harder away game all season," he admitted. "Wigan were brilliant absolutely terrific."

The win lifts United back into second place, taking them two points ahead of Liverpool with a game in hand.

"It was a very important victory," said Ferguson.

"We decided to gamble with three upfront at the end because although a draw would have been a good result from that game, a win was more important to us.

"In the first half we were poor, defended badly and were lucky to go in half-time at 0-0. But we worked hard, fought hard and had a large slice of luck at the end."

Wigan boss Paul Jewell was proud of his team's display and said the defeat hurt less than the 4-0 capitulation in last weekend's Carling Cup final.

"It's difficult to take because they scored so late on, but last weekend hurt more because we didn't give them a game," he explained.

"Tonight the lads did us proud and we bounced back in a big way. In the first half we were terrific and we worked hard to stop them playing," he continued.

Describing United's late winner as "a poxy little goal", Jewell admitted he felt sick "for the players and the supporters".

"Lady luck was against us tonight, but that will even out over 38 games," he went on.

"I don't want people to feel sorry for us. We pushed the team second in the league right to the end of the game.

"They knew they got out of jail at the end, but the best teams always get the luck," he concluded.