Ferguson was delighted with United’s second-half feats, saying his team’s efforts resulted in a ‘championship’ performance. PHOTO: REUTERS
The veteran manager revealed after the game that Wayne Rooney has a knee ligament injury that will sideline him for up to three weeks. The last three seasons have seen the team leading the table at Christmas go on to win the title and United’s seven-point advantage looks commanding, despite their defence continuing to struggle so badly.
“You have to be concerned, of course,” said Ferguson of his club’s defensive record. “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 in these conditions — really great. It’s a great quality to have and once again, they have proved their courage. They never gave in.”
Mancini refuses to blame Hart for loss
Meanwhile, manager Roberto Mancini refused to blame goal-keeper Joe Hart for denting Manchester City’s title challenge as the champions slipped to a shock 1-0 defeat at Sunderland.
England midfielder Adam Johnson claimed the only goal against his former club on Wednesday to end City’s eight-month unbeaten away league record. Hart looked at fault as he was beaten at his near post by Johnson’s 53rd minute effort.
“Johnson was really clever because we all thought he was going to cross,” said Mancini. “Instead, he shot, he did very well. I don’t think Hart was at fault. We didn’t score and this is our problem. Whenever we had chances, we were too soft.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea coach Rafael Benitez praised Juan Mata after his winner at Norwich City took the London club to within four points of second-place Manchester City in the Premier League. The Spain midfielder claimed his 13th goal of the season seven minutes before half-time.
“Mata is a player who is very dangerous getting into the box and also outside the box,” said Benitez. “We are very pleased with him. He is in form and the team is too, as we have now won three games in a row. He is doing really well.”
In other matches, Reading drew with Swansea while Everton beat Wigan 2-1. Fulham held Southampton 1-1 and West Brom defeated QPR 2-1. Elsewhere, Aston Villa looked hapless as they lost 4-0 to Tottenham.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 28th, 2012.
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