Sir Alex Ferguson saluted his team's composure and
killer instinct after United came from behind once again to beat
Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.
Jermain Defoe's stunning goal for Spurs after just 50 seconds
wasn't the only blow to the champions - later, the Reds lost the
services of Paul Scholes when he was harshly shown a
second yellow card. But despite playing for more than half an hour
with ten men, United wrapped up the win when Wayne Rooney
scored on the counter-attack to make it 3-1.
"Wayne's goal came at a great time, it killed the game for
us," reflected Sir Alex.
"We were under the cosh with the ten men and had to defend really
well. We had some good counter-attacking play and the third goal
finished the game."
Entering the game with maximum points, Tottenham quickly set United
a test by taking that lightning lead through Defoe.
"I think it was always going to be a hard game," said Sir Alex.
"Spurs are in great form at the moment and they got off to a
fantastic start by scoring in the first minute.
"It was a marvellous finish from Defoe but it was early in the game
and there were still ninety minutes to play. We had to gather our
game and show our composure and I thought our football was
fantastic."
After Ryan Giggs equalised from a free-kick, United went 2-1 up
through a rare source as Anderson scored his first competitive goal
for the Reds in 78 appearances.
"I hope that drives him on to get more because he's capable of
that," said the manager.
"He hasn't played a lot of games but he's part of a squad, we
have so many midfield players and we have to rotate it at various
times in the season and Anderson will play his part. He had a
marvellous performance for us today."
The only blemish on a brilliant evening for United was the red card
for Scholes.
"It was a terrible sending off," complained by Sir Alex.
"I think the referee (Andre Marriner) got it wrong. Scholes
clearly lifted his leg above the player. I think the Tottenham
player's done him, I think he (Tom Huddlestone) should have been
punished.
"I've looked at it twice on the video and I can't see a sending-off
in that. I think he was sent off because his name's Paul
Scholes."