- Premier League
Fergie happy with United's home grit
Sir Alex Ferguson praised his team's home form after Manchester United earned a 19th consecutive Premier League win at Old Trafford against Norwich.
Brazilian midfielder Anderson broke the deadlock after 68 minutes before Danny Welbeck clinched the three points with three minutes remaining in normal time - although Norwich had a number of great opportunities to get on the scoresheet themselves.
"Our home record has been fantastic for two seasons now,'' said Ferguson. ''This was not a good performance but we were gritty and we never gave in. That is a fantastic quality to have.''
Ferguson saw United come close to falling behind when Anthony Pilkington wasted a great chance for Norwich, moments before Anderson headed the Red Devils into the lead.
''I don't expect Anderson to score with a header,'' he said. ''I felt we needed someone to get hold of the ball up front. Danny Welbeck did that - and he also got another goal.''
The Scottish boss also explained the reason why he selected Anders Lindegaard over regular number one David de Gea.
''It was an opportunity to play Anders. He is going away with Denmark this week but probably won't play, whereas David is likely to play twice for Spain's Under-21 team.''
With England's crucial Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro looming on Friday, Fabio Capello will have noted Wayne Rooney's return from a minor hamstring strain and Ferguson confirmed Ashley Young will also be available for the trip to Podgorica.
Paul Lambert was disappointed his Norwich side came away empty handed, but said his team suffered for a lapse in concentration.
''If you do not take your chances, they can come back to haunt you," Lambert said. ''Manchester United are one of the best sides in Europe.
"They scored eight against Arsenal not so long ago. 'If you switch off for a millisecond they will punish you.''
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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Premier League 2020/21
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Man City | 38 | 27 | 5 | 6 | +51 | 86 |
| 2 | Man United | 38 | 21 | 11 | 6 | +29 | 74 |
| 3 | Liverpool | 38 | 20 | 9 | 9 | +26 | 69 |
| 4 | Chelsea | 38 | 19 | 10 | 9 | +22 | 67 |
| 5 | Leicester | 38 | 20 | 6 | 12 | +18 | 66 |
| 6 | West Ham | 38 | 19 | 8 | 11 | +15 | 65 |
| 7 | Tottenham | 38 | 18 | 8 | 12 | +23 | 62 |
| 8 | Arsenal | 38 | 18 | 7 | 13 | +16 | 61 |
| 9 | Leeds | 38 | 18 | 5 | 15 | +8 | 59 |
| 10 | Everton | 38 | 17 | 8 | 13 | -1 | 59 |
| 11 | Aston Villa | 38 | 16 | 7 | 15 | +9 | 55 |
| 12 | Newcastle | 38 | 12 | 9 | 17 | -16 | 45 |
| 13 | Wolves | 38 | 12 | 9 | 17 | -16 | 45 |
| 14 | Crystal Pal | 38 | 12 | 8 | 18 | -25 | 44 |
| 15 | Southampton | 38 | 12 | 7 | 19 | -21 | 43 |
| 16 | Brighton | 38 | 9 | 14 | 15 | -6 | 41 |
| 17 | Burnley | 38 | 10 | 9 | 19 | -22 | 39 |
| 18 | Fulham | 38 | 5 | 13 | 20 | -26 | 28 |
| 19 | West Brom | 38 | 5 | 11 | 22 | -41 | 26 |
| 20 | Sheff United | 38 | 7 | 2 | 29 | -43 | 23 |
