Ferguson makes the case for defence

Manchester United 2, Liverpool 1

SIR Alex Ferguson is confident Manchester United’s defence will provide the platform for a record 19th league title this season.

United emerged from a potentially decisive day of Premier League action with the leadership retained thanks to their 2–1 win over Liverpool, and a four–point gap over former favourites Chelsea.

The odds on an unprecedented fourth successive championship ending up at Old Trafford have started to tumble.

It is not beyond them either now heroes are emerging from unexpected sources.

Wayne Rooney’s 33rd goal of the season, not long after Fernando Torres had given Liverpool a fifth–minute lead, merely confirmed what a key figure the England star is – even if Rafael Benitez claimed Antonio Valencia dived for the penalty. Rooney tapped home the rebound after his spot–kick had been saved by Pepe Reina.

The winner though was created by Darren Fletcher’s cross and converted by Park Ji–sung’s diving header, confirming the South Korean is worth far more to United than a mere shirt–seller.