Fergie looks to bounce back

Liverpool 2, Manchester United 0

MANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was in bullish mood after his side’s 11–match unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end at Anfield.

Goals from Fernando Torres and substitute David Ngog secured a 2–0 victory for Liverpool after a run of four successive defeats.

United, who remain two points behind Chelsea, entertain Blackburn on Saturday after travelling to Barnsley in the Carling Cup tomorrow.

While Ferguson admitted the best side came out on top, he said: “Part of the challenge is to get over disappointments.

“Last season we lost at home 4–1 to Liverpool, which was a travesty, but we went on to win the league.”

Ferguson believes his side did not get a fair crack of the whip from referee Andre Marriner against Liverpool.

Nemanja Vidic was sent off for two yellow cards and Ferguson questioned a number of the official’s decisions, claiming he was influenced by the crowd.

Ferguson felt Vidic was unlucky to be dismissed and flet Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher should have been sent off after a challenge on former team–mate Michael Owen when he burst clear.

He said: “It is a very difficult atmosphere here. There was a wounded animal aspect to the game and it was something we did not overcome.

“I think it affected our players and it affected the referee. There were so many controversial things that happened we have to feel aggrieved at some of them.

“The most controversial decision was Carragher bringing down Michael Owen. He was clear through.

“The laws of the game were altered to prevent professional fouls of that nature and if Carragher goes off, he is their best player and their captain. It would have been a different game. They would have been under pressure.

“The referee was only four or five yards from it – he cannot use a covering defender as an excuse. Michael was clean through. With Michael’s pace he is going to get away from him.”

Ferguson was also incensed they were not awarded a spot–kick for a Carragher challenge on Michael Carrick.

“He has gone right over the top of the ball,” continued the United boss. “If it is outside of the box it is a free kick and maybe a yellow card.

“But it was inside the box and the referee was only six yards from it. It was another bad decision.

“Liverpool were the better team and I am not taking anything away from them at all.

“They deserved to win the game as it was a disappointing performance from us. We were not good enough.”